PHIL233-16S2 (C) Semester Two 2016

Epistemology and Metaphysics

15 points

Details:
Start Date: Monday, 11 July 2016
End Date: Sunday, 13 November 2016
Withdrawal Dates
Last Day to withdraw from this course:
  • Without financial penalty (full fee refund): Sunday, 24 July 2016
  • Without academic penalty (including no fee refund): Sunday, 9 October 2016

Description

This course is an introduction to selected topics in the theory of knowledge and of reality. For example: What is a physical object? Are you the same physical object now that you were 10 years ago? What makes the black squiggles you're now reading mean something? Are meanings ideas? Do deep metaphysical statements, such as ‘I am the only conscious being in the universe’ or 'Everything is fated', really say anything? Do males and females have different ways of knowing? What is time? Do humans have free will? Is cause-and-effect real, or just a way of looking at things? This course presupposes no prior knowledge of philosophy; it is aimed at students from a wide range of backgrounds, as well as philosophy majors.

Not only is philosophy one of the most interesting and challenging subjects, it teaches skills that employers want: thinking outside the box, logic, ethics, and excellent writing and communication skills. At UC you can do either a BA or a BSc in Philosophy, or combine a Philosophy major with the LLB, BCom, or another degree.

BA or BSc students who major in philosophy must normally take at least two 100-level PHIL courses, plus at least three 200-level PHIL courses (including PHIL233), plus at least 60-points from 300-level PHIL courses (including at least one course from this list: PHIL305; PHIL310; PHIL311; and PHIL317).
For more information see the BA regulations and/or the BSc regulations.

Learning Outcomes

  • In this course you will
  • Gain detailed knowledge of selected core topics in philosophy
  • Improve your verbal and analytic reasoning skills
  • Enhance your ability to think independently, systematically, and creatively

Prerequisites

15 points in PHIL; or B average in 60 points of appropriate courses with approval of the Head of Department

Timetable Note

Note: the tutorial is highly recommended (but not compulsory).

Course Coordinator

For further information see Humanities Head of Department

Contact Diane or Jack for further information.

Assessment

Assessment Due Date Percentage  Description
Assignment 1 25% Write a short essay, maximum length 750 words (excluding notes and bibliography), due date Friday 5 August.
Assignment 2 50% Write a long essay, maximum length 2500 words (excluding notes and bibliography), due date Friday 30 September.
End-of-semester test 25% The test is a closed-book 90-minute in-class test on Friday 14 October.


Assessment to be arranged.

There is no final exam in this course.

Textbooks / Resources

•  Locke, J., Berkeley, G., Hume, D. 'The Empiricists', Anchor.

Readings, videos, and audio files will also be available on Learn.

Course links

Library portal
Philosophy Essay Writing Guide (available to all enrolled Philosophy students)
Course Outline

Indicative Fees

Domestic fee $717.00

International fee $2,913.00

* All fees are inclusive of NZ GST or any equivalent overseas tax, and do not include any programme level discount or additional course-related expenses.

For further information see Humanities .

All PHIL233 Occurrences

  • PHIL233-16S2 (C) Semester Two 2016