- 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 Major | 2017
Philosophy engages with the most fundamental questions and puts you into dialogue with the greatest thinkers who have tried to answer them. It asks: What is the good life? How should we treat others and the environment? What makes an action morally good? What is a person? How do minds fit in nature? Can we know anything with certainty? What is social justice? Which rights matter in a fair society?
By studying Philosophy you will improve your analytical reasoning skills, broaden and deepen your understanding of foundational topics and learn how to respect and value diverse points of view. You will acquire skills in independent thinking and gain experience in analysing and carefully assessing arguments and ideas on a wide range of topics. These are highly marketable graduate qualities, sought after by employers.
Major areas of study at UOW include ethics; political philosophy; theory of knowledge; philosophy of mind; phenomenology and existentialism; metaphysics; philosophy of language and philosophy of science.
Major Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this major students will be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of central concepts and arguments in philosophy including contemporary problems in mind, ethics, politics, and science;
- Evaluate and critically assess arguments, and evidence for and against different philosophical points of view;
- Describe and critically reflect upon a range of alternative perspectives 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
Philosophy consists of at least 48 credit points as outlined below.
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Credit Points | Session(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core | |||
| PHIL107 | Introduction to Philosophy | 6 | Autumn |
| PHIL218 | Ethics: Good, Bad and Evil | 6 | Autumn |
| PHIL219 | Knowledge, Science and Understanding | 6 | Spring |
| PHIL304 | Key Thinkers, Big Questions | 6 | Not available in 2017 |
| PHIL328 | Philosophy at Work (Capstone) | 6 | Not available in 2017 |
| Plus at least ONE from the following: | |||
| PHIL106 | Media, Art and Society | 6 | Spring |
| PHIL151 | Logic: The Art of Reasoning | 6 | Spring |
| PHIL235 | International Studies in Philosophy | 6 | Autumn, Spring |
| PHIL226 | Global Ethics | 6 | Spring |
| PHIL227 | The Meaning of Life: Absurdity and Existence | 6 | Spring |
| PHIL228 | Theories of Emotion and Imagination | 6 | Not available in 2017 |
| PHIL256 | Environmental Philosophy: Animals, Nature and Ethics | 6 | Spring |
| PHIL234 | Mind, Body and World | 6 | Autumn |
| PHIL236 | Philosophy in Film and Literature | 6 | Autumn |
| Plus at least TWO from the following: | |||
| PHIL327 | Special Philosophical Questions | 6 | Not available in 2017 |
| PHIL318 | Narratives in Mind, Self and Psychosis | 6 | Not available in 2017 |
| PHIL319 | Political Philosophy: Justice, Equality and Rights | 6 | Not available in 2017 |
| PHIL320 | Philosophy of Health and Happiness | 6 | Not available in 2017 |
| PHIL326 | Bioethics | 6 | Not available in 2017 |
| PHIL336 | Philosophy: East and West | 6 | Spring |
Minor Study
A minor in Philosophy is available and consists of at least 24 credit points of subjects from the schedule of the Philosophy major. At least 12 credit points must be at 200 level or higher.
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