- Students are to follow the requirements of the Handbook for the year they commenced the course.
However, the subject links below do not contain the subject information for the current year. You can view current subject information through the new Course Handbook.
Philosophy
Philosophy is the study of fundamental questions in ethics, politics, reasoning, and understanding. What are the ethical implications of global poverty and climate change? What is the impact of biotechnology on humans and the environment? How are we able to understand other people’s beliefs, motives and actions? What are the principles of good reasoning? What is the nature of scientific understanding and explanation?
By studying Philosophy students will improve their critical thinking skills and broaden their understanding of diverse points of view. They will acquire research skills and gain experience in analyzing and carefully assessing arguments and ideas on a wide range of topics.
Areas of study include ethics (both practical and theoretical), political philosophy, gender, philosophy of psychology and mind, philosophy of language and logic, and philosophy of science.
Major Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the Philosophy major students will be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of central concepts and arguments concerning contemporary problems in mind, ethics, politics, and science.
- Evaluate concepts, arguments, and evidence relating to different philosophical viewpoints.
- Critically analyse a range of alternative viewpoints and recognise their underlying assumptions.
- Articulate the relationship between philosophical and practical problems.
- Engage in responsible and informed debate and decision-making.
Subjects Required for Major Study
The core subjects required for a major in Philosophy are PHIL107 (Values, Mind, and Self), PHIL206 (Ethics), PHIL220 (Knowledge, Explanation, and Understanding), and PHIL309 (Great Thinkers). In addition, students must complete at least 22 credit points in other PHIL subjects, at least 16 of which must be from 300-level PHIL subjects.
| Subject Code | subject Name | Credit Points | Session(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core | |||
| PHIL107 | Values, Mind and Self | 6 | Autumn |
| PHIL206 | Ethics | 8 | Spring |
| PHIL220 | Knowledge, Explanation and Understanding | 8 | Autumn |
| PHIL309 | Great Thinkers | 8 | Autumn |
| Plus at least ONE subject from the following at 100- or 200-Level: | |||
| PHIL106 | Media, Art and Censorship | 6 | Spring |
| PHIL151 | Argument, Evidence and Knowledge | 6 | Spring |
| PHIL207 | International Studies in Philosophy | 8 | Autumn, Spring |
| PHIL213 | Gender, Sex and Power | 8 | Autumn |
| PHIL217 | Global Ethics | 8 | Autumn |
| PHIL241 | Contemporary Phenomenology | 8 | Spring |
| PHIL255 | Language and Logic | 8 | Not offered in 2015 |
| PHIL258 | Ethics and the Environment | 8 | Autumn |
| PHIL288 | Philosophy of Mind | 8 | Autumn |
| POL 213 | Key Concepts and Thinkers in Political Theory | 8 | Autumn |
| Plus at least TWO subjects from the following at 300-Level: | |||
| PHIL305 | Special Philosophical Questions | 8 | Autumn, Spring |
| PHIL310 | Advanced Practical Ethics | 8 | Not offered in 2015 |
| PHIL313 | Contemporary Ethics | 8 | Not offered in 2015 |
| PHIL314 | Understanding Minds | 8 | Not offered in 2015 |
| PHIL317 | Contemporary Political Philosophy | 8 | Spring |
| PHIL324 | Digital Philosophy | 8 | Not offered in 2015 |
| PHIL325 | Life and Mind | 8 | Spring |
| PHIL380 | Bioethics | 8 | Autumn |
Subjects Required for Minor Study
A minor in Philosophy will consist of at least 28 credit points in PHIL subjects. Of these, at least 16 credit points must be from subjects at 200-level or 300-level.
| Subject Code | subject Name | Credit Points | Session(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| No more than TWO subjects from the following: | |||
| PHIL107 | Values, Mind and Self | 6 | Autumn |
| PHIL106 | Media, Art and Censorship | 6 | Spring |
| PHIL151 | Argument, Evidence and Knowledge | 6 | Spring |
| Plus at least TWO subjects from the following: | |||
| PHIL206 | Ethics | 8 | Spring |
| PHIL207 | International Studies in Philosophy | 8 | Autumn, Spring |
| PHIL213 | Gender, Sex and Power | 8 | Autumn |
| PHIL217 | Global Ethics | 8 | Autumn |
| PHIL220 | Knowledge, Explanation and Understanding | 8 | Autumn |
| PHIL241 | Contemporary Phenomenology | 8 | Spring |
| PHIL255 | Language and Logic | 8 | Not offered in 2015 |
| PHIL258 | Ethics and the Environment | 8 | Autumn |
| PHIL288 | Philosophy of Mind | 8 | Autumn |
| POL 213 | Key Concepts and Thinkers in Political Theory | 8 | Autumn |
| PHIL305 | Special Philosophical Questions | 8 | Autumn, Spring |
| PHIL309 | Great Thinkers | 8 | Autumn |
| PHIL310 | Advanced Practical Ethics | 8 | Not offered in 2015 |
| PHIL313 | Contemporary Ethics | 8 | Spring |
| PHIL314 | Understanding Minds | 8 | Not offered in 2015 |
| PHIL317 | Contemporary Political Philosophy | 8 | Spring |
| PHIL324 | Digital Philosophy | 8 | Not offered in 2015 |
| PHIL325 | Life and Mind | 8 | Spring |
| PHIL380 | Bioethics | 8 | Autumn |
Honours
Credit Arrangements
Credit and articulation arrangements are available from the Course Finder. Refer to UOW's credit arrangements for information on how to apply for credit.
Other Information
Further information is available at:
UOW Course Finder
Email: lha-enquiries@uow.edu.au