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Hobart, Launceston, Online
Introduction
This is an introduction to political philosophy. Political philosophy is the branch of philosophy concerned with political values, such as freedom, equality, community, rights, duties, and democracy. Political philosophy is as old as philosophy itself. However, this unit will focus on contemporary debates. These cover a wide range of issues linked by fundamental disagreements about what makes one form of government better than another. The readings are selected principally on the basis of their influence in philosophy and other disciplines such as political science and sociology, as well as the wider culture.
Summary
| Unit name | Political Philosophy |
| Unit code | HPH304 |
| Credit points | 12.5 |
| College/School | Arts and Society Humanities and Social Sciences |
| Discipline | Philosophy |
| Coordinator | Doctor David Coady |
| Available as an elective? | Yes |
| Delivered By | University of Tasmania |
| Level | Advanced |
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 | ||
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| Hobart | Semester 1 |
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| Launceston | Semester 1 |
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| Online | Semester 1 |
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- Key:
- On-campus
- Off-Campus
- International students
- Domestic students
Note
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Key Dates
| Study Period | Start date | Census date | WW date | End date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | 22/2/2026 | 16/3/2026 | 19/4/2026 | 13/6/2026 |
* 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 2026 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2026 will be available from the 1st October 2025. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).
Learning Outcomes
- Understand the work of some of the most important political philosophers in contemporary political philosophy.
- Understand some of the historical context from which contemporary debates in political philosophy arose.
- Analyse and communicate ideas about politics with increased sophistication.
- Apply the concepts of contemporary political philosophy to contemporary political issues.
- Develop an ability to understand and respect the political commitments of others, without necessarily sharing them.
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 | $2,174.00 | $1,020.00 | not applicable | $2,249.00 |
- 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
Prerequisites
25 credit points at Introductory level or higherTeaching
| Teaching Pattern | On campus Weekly online lecture (1 hour) Weekly seminar (1 hour) Weekly tutorial (1 hour) Off campus Weekly lecture (1 hour) Weekly online discussions (equivalent 2 hours) |
|---|---|
| Assessment | Presentation (10%)|Essay (40%)|Exam (50%) |
| Timetable | View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable |
Textbooks
| Required |
Refer to MyLO sites for details. |
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| Recommended | Refer to MyLO sites for details. |
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