Reason (MULT10016)
Undergraduate level 1Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
Overview
| Availability | Semester 1 |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
Reason, many believe, is what makes us human. Until recently, most scientists and philosophers agreed that the ability to use the mind to analyse and interpret the world is something intrinsic to the nature of our species. Reason has a long and extraordinary history. We will explore a number of inter-related themes: the nature of reason from Ancient Greece to our contemporary world; the ever shifting relationship between reason and faith; reason's place in the development of scientific experimentation and thinking; shifting perspectives about the uses of Reason and, finally, how reason relates to theories of the mind, exploring the tensions between reason, the passions and the will.
Reason will take you on a journey from Plato's cave to the neuro-scientists' lab. We will visit revolutions in science, thinking and politics. We will explore the impact of some of the great philosophers of history, including Plato, Aristotle, Hume, Bentham, Coleridge, Marx, Nietzsche, Foucault and many more besides. By the end of this subject you will have a deep understanding of the importance of the idea of reason to human history and philosophy. You might, even, be able to answer the question: 'does reason exist?'
Reason is an Arts Foundation Subject and we will argue that understanding the history and philosophy of reason provides great insights into many aspects of the humanities from political philosophy to understanding history. We will, of course, be paying particular attention to the foundational skills that will help you successfully complete your Arts major: particularly critical thinking and argument development.
Intended learning outcomes
Students who complete this subject should be able to:
- identify and locate relevant resources using library and other (web-based) databases and search tools
- understand and use academic bibliographic conventions of citation and referencing
- describe and analyse the uses of reason in the following domains: philosophy; science; faith and religion; and identity
- formulate arguments about the uses of reason
Generic skills
Students who complete this subject should develop skills in:
- Critical and analytical (including argument identification and analysis);
- Communication (written and oral);
- Teamwork / Collaboration (during tutorials and workshops);
- Engagement (with real world ideas and problems);
- Cultural and Social Alignment of values (through understanding the impact of Reason on society and culture through the ages)
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Assessment
Additional details
- A Bibliographic Exercise of 500 words, due in Week 5 (15%)
- A 2000 word essay due in Week 9 (45%)
- An exam equivalent to 1500 words, during the end of semester examination Period (40%).
Hurdle Requirement:
- This subject has an attendance hurdle requirement of 75% tutorial attendance (9 out of 12 tutorials) and 100% skills workshop attendance (3 out of 3 skills workshops).
- All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject.
Note: Regular participation in tutorials is required. Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 10% per day.
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Dates & times
- Semester 1
Principal coordinator James Bradley Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 42 hours - Two 1-hour lectures and a 1-hour tutorial per week; and a 2-hour skills workshop in weeks 1, 2 and 3 OR weeks 4,5 and 6 OR weeks 7,8 and 9. Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 27 February 2017 to 28 May 2017 Last self-enrol date 10 March 2017 Census date 31 March 2017 Last date to withdraw without fail 5 May 2017 Assessment period ends 23 June 2017 Semester 1 contact information
Email: jbradley@unimelb.edu.au
Time commitment details
170 hours
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Further information
- Texts
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Course Bachelor of Arts (Extended) Informal specialisation Arts Foundation Subjects - Links to additional information
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
Last updated: 3 November 2022