No offerings have been identified for this subject in 2017
PHL305 The Self (8)
Abstract| This subject explores philosophical ideas about the self and personal identity. Topics include the nature of the self, personal identity over time, personal identity and practical reason, self-deception, the self and personal relations (especially friendship), and the implications mental illnesses like multiple personality disorder, autism and psychopathy have for our concept of the self. We begin with the common-sense notion of the self due to Descartes, and then, in the light of a variety of concepts listed above we examine some key philosophical theories that have grown up in response to Descartes. |
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+ Subject Availability Modes and Location
Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details prior to contacting their course coordinator: PHL305
Where differences exist between the handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.
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Subject information| Duration | Grading System | School: |
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| One session | HD/FL | School of Humanities and Social Sciences |
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Learning OutcomesUpon successful completion of this subject, students should:
be able to give an account of the main philosophical theories(especially Descartes') in the area of the self;
be able to give an account of the historical development of philosophical ideas of the self;
be able to demonstrate an understanding of the problem of personal identity over time and central competing theories to its solution;
be able to demonstrate an understanding of the conceptual links between questions of personal identity and practical reason;
be able to demonstrate an understanding of the postmodernist critiques of the traditional cartesian idea of the self;
be able to demonstrate an understanding of the concept of self-deception;
be able to give an account of the relevance of interpersonal relations (especially friendship) to the self; and
be able to demonstrate and understanding of the implications mental illnesses (e.g., multiple personality disorder, autism, psychopathy) have for our concept of the self. |
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SyllabusThe subject will cover the following topics:
- Descartes' theory of the self
- history of ideas of the self
- personal identity
- personal identity and practical reason
- postmodernist critiques of the self
- self-deception
- friendship and the self
- mental illness and the self |
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The information contained in the 2017 CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: 25 August 2017. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.
