Not offered in 1996. 16.7 2nd and 3rd years To be advised. Normally 12.5 points of first-year HPS. Up to three hours of lectures, seminars or tutorials a week. Students completing this subject should:

• become familiar with the major philosophical theories of rationality
• become familiar with the psychological, sociological and biological evidence regarding human rationality and irrationality;
• develop a better understanding of the relationships between the philosophical, biological, and psychological positions;
• be able to apply these positions to some issues in the history and philosophy of science.

Being a rational person has two elements: a standard for good reasoning and the capacity to know and act on that standard. This subject investigates the philosophical issues involved in establishing such a standard and the biological and psychological issues involved in human beings recognising and acting on that standard. Written work of up to 5,000 words. Not offered in 1996. 16.7 Dr N Thomason First semester Up to 3 hours of lectures, seminars or tutorials a week Students completing this subject should:

• become familiar with the major philosophical theories of rationality;
• become familiar with the psychological, sociological and biological evidence regarding human rationality and irrationality;
• be able to apply these positions to some issues in the history and philosophy of science.

Being a rational person has two elements: a standard for good reasoning and the capacity to know and act on that standard. This course investigates the philosophical issues ivolved in establishing such a standard and the biological and psychological issues involved in human beings recognizing and acting on that standard. Written work of totalling 5,000 words.