Doing Philosophy: Ethics, Knowledge, and Reality unit (HPH120)

Hobart, Launceston, Online

Introduction

Today’s burning questions often have deep philosophical roots. In this unit, you’ll explore those roots by examining some of the most enduring and provocative questions in philosophy. Here are some questions you may explore: What is morality? Do animals have rights? Who possesses knowledge? What is the status of scientific knowledge? What is ‘truth’?  What is the nature of reality? These timeless inquiries are brought into conversation with contemporary challenges like the rise of artificial intelligence, misinformation, and the ethical implications of scientific and technological change. These real-world challenges will serve as entry points into key philosophical debates relating to the subdisciplines of moral philosophy, epistemology, metaphysics, and ontology.
This unit gives you the basis to start doing philosophy. In this introductory unit you’ll develop foundational skills in critical reflection, argument analysis, and clear communication. You’ll learn to ask thoughtful questions, evaluate competing perspectives, and articulate your own reasoned views on complex issues. No prior experience in philosophy is required, and you can take this unit on its own or alongside its companion unit. For details on the specific themes covered each semester, check the unit outline online before classes begin.
 

Summary

Unit name	Doing Philosophy: Ethics, Knowledge, and Reality
Unit code	HPH120
Credit points	12.5
College/School	Arts and Society Humanities and Social Sciences
Discipline	Philosophy
Coordinator	Doctor Graham Wood
Available as an elective?	Yes
Delivered By	University of Tasmania
Level	Introductory

Availability

Specific information on 2027 unit availability will be available in August

Key Dates

Study Period	Start date	Census date	WW date	End date
Semester 2	4/7/2027	26/7/2027	29/8/2027	23/10/2027

* 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 2027 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2027 will be available from the 1st October 2026. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

• Identify and explain foundational philosophical concepts in ethics, epistemology, and metaphysics.
• Analyse and evaluate basic philosophical arguments related to core philosophical theories.
• Express philosophical ideas in written and spoken formats.
• Engage in respectful dialogue with a range of viewpoints

Fee Information

2027 fee information will be available in August.

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	Short Written Task (15%)|Participation (20%)|Essay (30%)|Take-Home Exam (35%)
Timetable	View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required	Required readings will be specified in MyLO (in the weekly content pages) and will be available via MyLO.
Recommended	Recommended readings will be specified in MyLO (in the weekly content pages) and will be available via MyLO.

The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.