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Hobart, Launceston

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 2022

Unit name Introductory Philosophy: Knowledge and Reality
Unit code HPH105
Credit points 12.5
Faculty/School College of Arts, Law and Education
School of Humanities
Discipline Philosophy and Gender Studies
Coordinator

Dr. James Chase

Available as student elective? Yes
Breadth Unit? No

Availability

Note

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* 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 (see withdrawal dates explained for more information).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

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

Fees

Requisites

Mutual Exclusions

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

    HPH102

Teaching

Assessment

Task 1: Weekly quizzes (15%)

Task 2: Take-home exam (35%)

Task 3: Tutorial discussion participation (15%)

Task 4: Essay (35%)

TimetableView the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

RequiredNone

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