300-level

PHIL311
Meaning, Mind, and the Nature of Philosophy
Description
This course aims to teach the central skills of philosophy-creative thinking plus precision. We look at deep philosophical questions through the eyes of several of the most challenging philosophers of the 20th and 21st centuries. For example: Do we think in words? If I say 'I'm in pain' or ‘I see blue’, do you really know what I mean? Can humans or machines learn to speak ‘Whale’? Is human-level AI possible? How can we talk about what doesn't exist-tomorrow, Harry Potter, or the possible world where you win $50 million on Lotto? Is there an impossible world where you can square the circle? Why does every attempt to solve a philosophical problem simply raise more problems, sometimes even worse ones?
Occurrences
Semester Two 2026
Semester Two 2026 (Distance)
Points
30 points
Prerequisites
Any 30 points at 200 level from PHIL, or any 60 points at 200 level from the Schedule V of the BA or the BSc.
Restrictions
PHIL464, PHIL497

Not Offered Courses in 2026

300-level

PHIL305
Paradoxes
Description
This course surveys a wide range of paradoxes and bizarre brain-twisters drawn from all corners of philosophy.
Occurrences
Not offered 2026, offered in 2020 , 2021 , 2023 , 2024 , 2025
For further information see PHIL305 course details
Points
30 points
PHIL310
History of Philosophy
Description
This course introduces you to the philosophy of the early modern period. We shall pay particular attention to the epistemological and metaphysical questions addressed by Descartes in his Meditations and by Hume in Book 1 of his A Treatise of Human Nature. We also study Hume’s moral theory in Bk. III of the Treatise, Locke’s epistemology and Berkeley’s metaphysics. Topics covered include rationalism and empiricism, dreaming, scepticism, proofs of the existence of God, mind-body dualism, idealism, the nature of self, personal identity, causation, reason and the passions. Is knowledge based on reason or experience? Can I be sure that I’m not dreaming? Can I be sure of anything? What, in any case, is this ‘I’? What is the relationship between mind and body? What is it to remain the same person over time? Does the external world exist and, if so, what is its nature? Can ‘ought’ be derived from ‘is’? Is morality based on reason or the passions?
Occurrences
Not offered 2026, offered in 2019 , 2021 , 2022 , 2024 , 2025
For further information see PHIL310 course details
Points
30 points