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Introductory Philosophy: Knowledge and Reality unit (HPH105)

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Unit year 2025

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Location: Hobart, Launceston, Online

Introduction

Through an examination of historical and contemporary philosophical texts, from Western and Eastern traditions, this unit explores the nature of persons and the nature of the world as we experience it. These themes will be pursued by asking questions such as: • Is a mind more than just a brain? • Do we have free will? • Is there an enduring self? • Could the world be an illusion? • Does science give us knowledge? • What is time? Is time travel possible? • What reason have we for thinking there is or is not a God?. This unit provides an introduction to the world's oldest academic discipline and will help students to develop the rigorous thinking that is the hallmark of philosophy – a skill that is transferable to almost any walk of life. This unit complements HPH104 Introductory Philosophy: Moral and Political Philosophy, but can be taken independently of that unit.

Summary

Unit name Introductory Philosophy: Knowledge and Reality
Unit code HPH105
Credit points 12.5
College/School Arts and Society
Humanities and Social Sciences
Discipline Philosophy
Coordinator Doctor Sonam Thakchoe
Available as an elective? Yes
Delivered By University of Tasmania
Level Introductory

Sustainable Development Goals

The Unit Coordinator has identified that this unit aligns with the following UN Sustainable Development Goals. We welcome your thoughts and feedback on the alignment of the unit with these goals.

Availability

Location Study period Attendance options Available to
Hobart Semester 2 This unit is available through on-campus delivery Available to International Students Available to Domestic Students
Launceston Semester 2 This unit is available through on-campus delivery Available to International Students Available to Domestic Students
Online Semester 2 This unit is available through off-campus delivery Available to International Students Available to Domestic Students
  • Key:
  • This unit is available through on-campus delivery On-campus
  • This unit is available through off-campus delivery Off-Campus
  • Available to International Students International students
  • Available to Domestic Students Domestic students
Note

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Key Dates

Study Period Start date Census date WW date End date
Semester 2 20/7/2025 18/8/2025 7/9/2025 25/10/2025

* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).

Unit census dates currently displaying for 2025 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2025 will be available from the 1st October 2024. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

  • Gain specialist and general understanding of key problems in metaphysics and epistemology.
  • Engage with personal, cultural¿ and social issues in relation to philosophy from a range of philosophical traditions.
  • Apply disciplinary skills of argument analysis, textual analysis and clear communication to a philosophical audience in appropriate academic style.
  • Demonstrate a constructively critical attitude to belief formation, including giving and assessing reasons, seeking new evidence and forming beliefs on the best evidence available.

Fee Information

Field of Education Commencing Student Contribution 1,3 Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3 Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3 Domestic Full Fee 4
091701 $2,124.00 $996.00 not applicable $2,142.00
  • Available as a Commonwealth Supported Place
  • HECS-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility3
  • FEE-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility4

1 Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
2 Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
3 Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
4 Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.

If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UniConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.

Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.

Requisites

Mutual Exclusions

You cannot enrol in this unit as well as the following:

HPH102

Teaching

Teaching Pattern

On campus 

Online lecture or equivalent (1 hour)

Weekly seminar (1 hour)

Weekly tutorial (1 hour)

Online

Online lecture (equivalent to 1 hour)

Weekly online discussions (equivalent to 2 hour)

AssessmentOnline quizzes (15%)|Tutorial participation (15%)|Essay (1500 words) (35%)|Take-home exam (35%)
TimetableView the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required

All required readings will be available through MyLO site
Recommended

All required readings will be available through MyLO site

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