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Philosophy - PHILC13841
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Plan Outline
Plan Structure

Plan Summary

 
Faculty: ARTSC - Faculty of Arts&Social Science
 
 
School: School of History and Philosophy
 
 
Contact: http://hist-phil.arts.unsw.edu.au
 
 
Program: 3841 - Arts/Medicine
 
 
Award(s):
 
 
Bachelor of Arts (Major)
 
 

Plan Outline

This plan is only available to students commencing 2009 onwards


Philosophy is different from other disciplines in that it raises questions about all aspects of human life and the world and investigates them systematically. The major in Philosophy focuses on interpretation of texts, balanced exposition and examination of issues, criticism of doctrines and beliefs commonly taken for granted, and construction and appraisal of arguments. The Philosophy curriculum seeks progressively to develop students’ skills in critical thinking and analysis, effective communication and persuasion in subject matter covered in the humanities and beyond. It also emphasises the intrinsic value of philosophy and philosophical thinking and analysis. The major provides courses and progression in three areas, or ‘streams’: ‘Epistemology and Metaphysics’, ‘Moral, Social, and Political Philosophy’, and ‘Philosophical Traditions’.

Aims of the Major

The list of aims reflect the knowledge and understanding of philosophy and its various applications and methods, together with a profile of skills and capacities, which students should attain progressively through the period of their candidature.

Knowledge and Understanding
  • knowledge of the theories and arguments of some of the major philosophers, encountered in their own writings;
  • understanding of a number of major philosophical issues including arguments for or against proposed solutions;
  • grasp of some central theories and arguments in the fields of epistemology and metaphysics, moral, social and political philosophy, and philosophical traditions, broadly understood;
  • appreciation of the wide range of application of techniques of philosophical reasoning;
  • appreciation of the place of philosophy, its ideas and techniques, in contemporary debates;
  • appreciation of the importance of careful reading of texts and sensitivity to intellectual tradition;
  • appreciation of the interpretative character of knowledge claims;
  • appreciation of cogent arguments supported with reasons.
Skills and Capacities
  • ability to evaluate the success of standard arguments using a variety of techniques of formal and informal methods of reasoning as appropriate, together with an ability to recognise any relevant fallacies;
  • ability to recognise the presuppositions and prejudices of knowledge claims;
  • capacity to examine the authority of norms and values;
  • ability to read and interpret texts drawn from a variety of ages and/or traditions with a sensitivity to context;
  • ability to engage with relevant literature and independently to reflect on the quality of its arguments;
  • ability to evaluate the relevance and quality of sources of information in relation to particular arguments;
  • ability to formulate a coherent argument using a range of argumentative methods and reasoning strategies;
  • capacity for a balanced and reasoned approach to contemporary issues and problems.

Plan Structure

A student who wishes to gain a major sequence in Philosophy must complete 54 units of credit including 12 uoc at level 1, at least 18 uoc at level 2 and at least 18 uoc at level 3 including the capstone course.

Level 1
Students taking the Philosophy major or minor are encouraged to take the following course as a free elective:

Level 2

Philosophy Courses:
The following courses from other subject areas can also be counted towards the Philosophy Major:

Level 3

In order to take Level 3 courses in Philosophy, students must have completed at least 96 uoc in any discipline, including at least 18 uoc in Philosophy at Level 2. Level 3 courses typically cover topics in more depth and involve more significant proportions of research work in assignment tasks.

Students majoring in Philosophy are required to complete the Philosophy Capstone course, Advanced Topics in Philosophy. The Capstone course is designed to cultivate students’ capacities for self-directed learning, and aims to further develop skills in critical thinking and research in Philosophy.

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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.