PHL103 Theories Of Human Nature (8)

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 Outlines
Current CSU students can view Subject Outlines for recent sessions. Please note that Subject Outlines and assessment tasks are updated each session.

Availability

Session 2 (60)
Online
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

Grading System

HD/FL

Duration

One session

School

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

This 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.

Contact

Current Students

For any enquiries about subject selection or course structure please contact Student Central or ask@csu.edu.au or phone on 1800 275 278.

Prospective Students

For further information about Charles Sturt University, or this course offering, please contact info.csu on 1800 275 278 (free call within Australia) or enquire online.

The information contained in the 2018 CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: August 2018. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.

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