PHL103 Human Nature and the Good Life (8)

This subject provides an introduction to a number of major philosophical theories about human nature and the good life. Theories studied stretch from those that originated in ancient civilisations to those articulated during the 20th century. Connections between each theory of human nature and philosophical positions in metaphysics and epistemology are explored, and the implications for the good life are then articulated through ethics and political philosophy. Philosophical theories of human nature and the good life pre-date the modern science of psychology and provide a useful perspective on the contemporary interface between philosophy and psychology.

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 explain aspects of a number of philosophical theories of human nature and the good life;
  • be able to critically evaluate aspects of a number of philosophical theories of human nature and the good life;
  • be able to identify where underlying philosophical debates concerning central issues in relation to human nature, for example, the nature vs nurture debate, connect with philosophical theories of human nature and the good life; and
  • be able to recall, compare, and apply philosophical theories of human nature and the good life.

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:
  • Some theories of human nature and the good life chosen from the writings of major philosophers and philosophical traditions;
  • The connections between theories of human nature and the good life and philosophical positions in metaphysics and epistemology;
  • The implications of theories of human nature and the good life for ethics and political philosophy; and
  • The underlying philosophical debates concerning central issues in relation to human nature, for example: the relative significance of nature and nurture; the relative significance of reason and emotion; the relative significance of individual freedom and social determinism; the relative significance of egoism and altruism; and philosophical positions concerning personal identity, the unconscious, and the nature of the human mind.

Indicative Assessment

The following table summarises the assessment tasks for the online offering of PHL103 in Session 2 2020. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated and can also differ to suit the mode of study (online or on campus).

Item Number
Title
Value %
1
Content summary
20
2
Essay
60
3
Quiz
20

The information contained in the CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: May 2021. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.

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