PHL103 Theories Of Human Nature (8)

Abstract

This is an introduction to some philosophical theories of human nature. Students will study a number of theories selected from the writings of major philosophers and philosophical traditions. Issues to be examined will be selected from: essentialism, the nurture vs nature debate, reason vs emotion, individual freedom vs social determinism, egoism vs altruism, personal identity, the unconscious, and minds as machines.

+ Subject Availability Modes and Location

Session 2
Internal	Wagga Wagga Campus
Distance	Wagga Wagga Campus

Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: PHL103
Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Subject information

Duration	Grading System	School:
One session	HD/FL	School of Humanities and Social Sciences

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:

be able to demonstrate an understanding of a number of philosophical theories of human nature.
be able to demonstrate an understanding of the philosophical debates concerning a number of the central issues in relation to human nature eg. the nature vs nurture debate
be able to compare and contrast some of these theories of human nature
be able to argue for and against key tenets of these above mentioned theories, and key arguments in relation to these above-mentioned issues

Syllabus

The subject will cover the following topics:

Human nature vs individual identity vs sociality.
Some theories of human nature chosen from the writings of major philosophers and philosophical traditions
Some issues regarding human nature chosen from the following: essentialism, the nurture vs nature debate, reason vs emotion, individual freedom vs social determinism, egoism vs altruism, personal identity, the unconscious, and minds as machines.

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