Social Philosophy

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2012:

An average of 8.5 hours each week.

None.

None.

Students enrolling in this subject should have completed at least one prior philosophy subject.

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/

Social Philosophy is a class that focuses on a distinctive issue in practical ethics each year. For 2012, the focus is on just war theory, along with some closely related topics in political philosophy. Just war theory aims to identify rules governing both resort to war and conduct during war. Topics to be examined include non-combatant immunity, the problem of establishing when military action is disproportionate, and the special case of military interventions for humanitarian purposes. We will also look at some questions concerning the place of the military in society, such as the ethics of recruitment.

Students who successfully complete this subject should:

• understand the philosophical arguments behind some contemporary social and political theories.
• be able to explain these theories clearly.
• be able to present informed and fair-minded philosophical evaluations of them.

An essay of 2,000 words (50% - due mid-semester) and an essay of 2,000 words (50% - due at the end of semester).

Hurdle Requirements: 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 commencement of semester.

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

• Bachelor of Biomedicine
• Bachelor of Commerce
• Bachelor of Environments
• Bachelor of Music
• Bachelor of Science
• Bachelor of Engineering

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

Students who successfully complete this subject should:

• develop the ability to analyse and critique arguments.
• be able to think and write rigorously, imaginatively and coherently on issues of public controversy.
• have an appreciation of the way in which philosophical theory can inform reasoned discussion of matters of ethical importance and public controversy.