Metaphysics and Epistemology

Subject PHIL40005 (2011)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2011.

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 4 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject is not offered in 2011.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 2 ( 1x 2 hour seminar per week)
Total Time Commitment: An average of 10 hours each week.
Prerequisites: None.
Corequisites: None.
Recommended Background Knowledge: Students enrolling in this subject must have completed a Bachelor of Arts degree or equivalent.
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements: For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Contact

Dr Dana Goswick

dgoswick@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview:

This unit covers selected issues in contemporary epistemology and metaphysics. We will focus on a particular philosophical issue (for example, a topic in fundamental ontology, or in the philosophy of knowledge, in theories of meaning), and look at contemporary work addressing this issue, covering both metaphysics and epistemology.
Objectives:

Students who successfully complete this subject will:

  • show an understanding of selected issues in contemporary epistemology and metaphysics.
  • manifest philosophical skill in arguing in an alert and well informed way for conclusions related to these issues.
  • display acquaintance with some important past contributions to the discussion of those issues.
  • indicate an awareness of how the subject matter is related to broader concerns in contemporary philosophy.
  • acquire the ability to locate issues concerning epistemology and metaphysics.
  • learn to evaluate sophisticated arguments offered in the literature.
Assessment:

A 5000-word research essay 100% (due at the end of semester).

Hurdle Requirement: Students are required to attend a minimum of 75% of classes in order to qualify to have their written work assessed. Students who fail to meet this hurdle requirement will be deemed ineligible to submit the final piece of assessment for this subject. Regular participation in class is required.

Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 2% per working day. In-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked. All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject.
Prescribed Texts:

A reading list will be issued at the beginning of semester.
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

Students who successfully complete this subject will:

  • be able to understand both the heart of a philosophical issue and its broader implications.
  • have learnt to form a critical understanding of philosophical texts.
  • have developed their skills to construct rigorous philosophical arguments.
Links to further information: http://www.philosophy.unimelb.edu.au/
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: History and Philosophy of Science
History and Philosophy of Science
History and Philosophy of Science
History and Philosophy of Science
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