Reason in Action: Politics, Science, and Society unit (HPH110)

Hobart, Launceston, Online

Introduction

Life is filled with philosophical questions, but we rarely get the chance to slow down and think them through. This unit gives you that opportunity. In this introductory unit you will take a philosophical lens to examine  contemporary issues in politics, science, and society. You may explore topics such as climate change, the status of scientific knowledge, what a ‘just’  society looks like, and the impact on society of AI and social media.   These real-world challenges will serve as entry points into key philosophical concepts, principles, and methods relating to sub disciplines such as social and political philosophy and the philosophy of science  .

Philosophy is not just something you learn—it’s something you do. In this unit, you will develop foundational skills in critical reflection, argument analysis, and clear communication. You will learn to ask thoughtful questions, evaluate competing perspectives, and articulate ethically informed positions. No prior experience in philosophy is required, and the unit is designed to stand alone or complement its companion unit. For details on the specific themes covered each semester, please refer to the unit outline (available online shortly before semester begins).

Summary

Unit name	Reason in Action: Politics, Science, and Society
Unit code	HPH110
Credit points	12.5
College/School	Arts and Society Humanities and Social Sciences
Discipline	Philosophy
Coordinator	Doctor Anya Daly
Available as an elective?	Yes
Delivered By	University of Tasmania
Level	Introductory

Availability

Location	Study period	Attendance options		Available to
Hobart	Semester 1
Launceston	Semester 1
Online	Semester 1

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).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

• Recognise and describe key philosophical concepts related to politics, science, and society.
• Analyse and evaluate basic philosophical arguments in contemporary debates.
• Express philosophical ideas in written and spoken formats.
• Engage in respectful dialogue with a range of viewpoints

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.

Teaching

Teaching Pattern	On Campus Recorded lectures: 1 hour per week Cross-campus seminar with all students: 1 hour per week Small-group tutorials: 1 hour per week Online Recorded lectures: 1 hour per week Cross-campus synchronous seminar with all students: 1 hour per week Online asynchronous discussion: 1 hour per week
Assessment	Reflection (15%)|Participation (20%)|Take-Home Exam (30%)|Essay (35%)
Timetable	View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required	Required readings and the full reading list is available on MyLO.
Recommended	Recommended readings and the full reading list is available on MyLO.

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