The University of New South Wales

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Minds, Bodies and Persons - PHIL1011
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Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
 
 
School:  School of History and Philosophy
 
 
Course Outline: http://philosophy.arts.unsw.edu.au/
 
 
Campus: Kensington Campus
 
 
Career: Undergraduate
 
 
Units of Credit: 6
 
 
EFTSL: 0.12500 (more info)
 
 
Indicative Contact Hours per Week: 3
 
 
Fee Band: 1 (more info)
 
 
Further Information: See Class Timetable
 
 

Description

What are we, what are we like? What is a person? Are only humans persons? Are we mind, body or both? These are among the most puzzling and compelling questions that humans can ask. An introduction to some of the many ways philosophers have approached these and related questions. Some philosophical perspectives on the subject have a moral focus, some a psychological, some a computational, some a political. We look at the works of ancient philosophers and of philosophers working today.

Learning Outcomes

Students who successfully complete this course will have a general knowledge and understanding of:
  • Foundational arguments for mind/body dualism in accounts of the nature of personhood and of the difference between persons and non-persons
  • Some important recent views about the nature of mind and how consciousness and other factors contribute to personal identity, agency, and a sense of self
  • Some alternative views about the role of the body in personhood, agency, and interpersonal relations
  • Relationships between concepts of self and understandings of social relations
More generally, students should also be able to:
  • Analyse and reconstruct arguments in philosophical texts
  • Analyse concepts and employ them to address 'real world' issues
  • Engage in critical analysis and well-considered argument, both verbally and in writing.

Assessment

  • Tutorial participation - 10%
  • Two tutorial exercises - 30%
  • Essay 1 (1500 words) - 30%
  • Essay 2 (1500 words) - 30%

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© The University of New South Wales (CRICOS Provider No.: 00098G), 2004-2011. The information contained in this Handbook is indicative only. While every effort is made to keep this information up-to-date, the University reserves the right to discontinue or vary arrangements, programs and courses at any time without notice and at its discretion. While the University will try to avoid or minimise any inconvenience, changes may also be made to programs, courses and staff after enrolment. The University may also set limits on the number of students in a course.