Overview

What are we? Are we essentially minds? brains? souls? animals? Is there even such a thing as the self? This topic will explore these options by means of science fiction short stories, each of which presents a way in which a person can be altered yet potentially continue to exist. … For more content click the Read More button below.

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Aims

This topic aims to:

  • Introduce students to some central issues in epistemology and metaphysics, including the significance of evolution for epistemology and the nature of time and being
  • Introduce students to classic philosophical texts, including works by Leibniz, Kant and Russell
  • Develop students' reasoning skills by helping them to make careful distinctions between issues and paying close attention to arguments
  • Enable students to clearly express their ideas and arguments both in writing and orally

Learning outcomes

On completion of this topic you will be expected to be able to:
1.
Show that you have read and understood key texts on metaphysics and epistemology
2.
Demonstrate that you have read and understood a range of central arguments in epistemology and metaphysics
3.
Formulate arguments on some important issues in modern literature on epistemology and metaphysics
4.
Express ideas about and arguments clearly

Assessments

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Current students should refer to FLO for detailed assessment information, including due dates. Assessment information is accurate at the time of publishing.

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Requisites information

Pre-requisites:
Anti-requisites:

Assumed knowledge

Familiarity with the kind of knowledge, conceptual understanding and skill such as can be obtained by completion of at least 9 units of second year undergraduate level topics from the Philosophy major.