The Philosophy of Philosophy

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2012:

Standard

An average of 8.5 hours each week.

This subject is only available to students completing the final year of a Bachelor of Arts degree (B-Arts) with a major in Philosophy or those in enrolled in the Graduate Diploma in Arts (D23-AA) with a specialisation in Philosophy.

None.

At least 50 (4 Subjects) points of 2nd and 3rd year philosophy is recommended.

None.

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/

This subject examines the nature of philosophy itself. Students will read what many great philosophers have said about the methods, aims, and ambitions of philosophy. And they will examine how these views have been applied in thinking about metaphysics, epistemology, or morality. The subject provides the opportunity to reflect on different strands in the philosophical tradition, which inspire conflicting projects in contemporary philosophy. It should also encourage students to reflect on the nature and methods of the philosophy they have studied to date. The subject is intended for students nearing completion of a philosophy major, but may also be taken by others.

Students who successfully complete this subject will

• know what a number of important philosophers have said about the nature of philosophy.
• have reflected on the nature of philosophy in the context of the philosophy they have learned.
• be able to articulate and defend their views on the matter.
• have improved their skills in writing and researching philosophy.
• have improved their ability in the critical analysis of texts.

A written assignment of 2000 words valued at 50% due mid-semester, and a 2 hour closed book written exam valued at 50% (during the end of semester examination period).

Hurdle Requirement: This subject has a minimum hurdle requirement of 75% tutorial attendance. Regular participation in tutorials is required. Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 10% per day. After 5 working days late assessment will not be marked. In-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked. All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject.

A subject reader will be available from the University Bookshop at the start of semester.

None

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Students who successfully complete this subject will

• develop skills in critical thinking and analysis.
• improve their ability to think in theoretical terms.
• develop skills in written communication.

This is the Capstone subject in the New Generation Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in philosophy. This subject is compulsory for all New Generation Philosophy Major students.