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 161-006 Central Problems in Philosophy

Note

Formerly available as 161-108. Students who have completed 161-108 are not eligible to enrol in this subject.

Credit Points

12.5

HECS Band

1

Coordinator

Dr Bruce Langtry

Semester

2 (view timetable)

Contact

Two 1-hour lectures per week throughout the semester, and a 1-hour tutorial per week beginning the second week of semester

Subject Description

This subject is an introduction to contemporary philosophy through a discussion of three major topics: The nature of mind - Are our mental states all physical states, or do they involve non-physical features of reality? Human free-will - We assume that human beings are usually free in deciding and acting, and are morally responsible for what they do: but are we really free? The meaning of life - What kind of meaning, if any, does your life, or human life generally, have? On completion of this subject students should understand what is at stake in philosophical controversy concerning the topics discussed, and have developed skills in philosophical reasoning.

Assessment

Two essays, one of 500 words and one of 1500 words, participation in tutorials and a 2-hour examination.

Prescribed Texts

A subject reader will be available.



Search : Index : Faculty of Arts : Philosophy
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Next 161-007 Moral Philosophy: Great Thinkers
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