PHL306 Knowledge and Reality (8)

This subject engages with a number of problems that have been central to the Western philosophical tradition. These are basic problems in what is called epistemology (the theory of knowledge) and metaphysics (the study of the nature of reality). They include: How, if at all, is knowledge possible? What is the relation between the mind and the body? Do we have free will?

No offerings have been identified for this subject in 2020.

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

Enrolment Restrictions

Subject is not available to students who have completed PHL206 as they share similar content.

Subject Relationships

PHL206 Shares similar content

Incompatible Subjects

PHL206

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
  • be able to demonstrate an understanding of, and competence in, modern philosophical analysis and argumentation;
  • be able to demonstrate a sound understanding of the problems addressed in the subject, and of the discussions of those problems in selected historical and contemporary sources;
  • be able to explain the central philosophical issues concerning knowledge, the mind, and free will; and
  • be able to critically evaluate the main philosophical theories concerning knowledge, the mind, and free will.

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:
  • Philosophical Theory: analysis and argument
  • Knowledge
  • Other minds
  • The meaning of words
  • Mind and body
  • Free-will
  • The meaning of life

The information contained in the CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: October 2020. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.

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