161-445 Current Issues in Philosophy

Students who have completed 161-047 are not eligible to enrol in this subject.

Admission to the postgraduate diploma or fourth-year honours in philosophy.

This subject examines problems and issues of central interest in current philosophical debate in the areas of metaphysics and the philosophy of language, through a study of selected journal articles and monographs by prominent contemporary philosophers. Typical issues discussed are realism and anti-realism, the ontology of mind, and the nature of objectivity. Students of the subject should attain detailed knowledge of the ideas operative in the topics selected for study, and the background and context necessary for their evaluation.

• acquire the background necessary for full appreciation of much contemporary philosophical debate, centering around the themes of the course;

• acquire the ability to read and critically to engage with cutting-edge contemporary texts in the areas discussed;

• have refined the critical skills necessary for original philosophical research.

A 5000-word essay 100% (due at the end of semester).

A subject reader will be available.