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History of Early Modern Philosophy (PHIL20043)
Undergraduate level 2Points: 12.5Not available in 2017
Overview
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This subject offers an introduction to philosophical debates in early modern philosophy from Descartes to Kant. Questions that were controversially debated during the period inlcude the following: How can we acquire knowledge that is absolutely certain? How can I know that an external world exists outside my own mind? Is my mind an immaterial substance that is distinct from material bodies? What is the relation between mind and body? Can I know that my experiences inhere in an immaterial rather than a material substance? What is a substance? What are the limitations of human understanding? What is a self or person? How do persons continue to exist over time? What role do questions of moral responsibility play in theories of personal identity? In this subject you will enter into a dialogue with early modern thinkers and search for your own answers to their questions. We will trace the historical development of theories concerning knwowledge and skepticism, the mind-body relation, substance, causation, and personal identity through the study of texts in the period from Descartes to Kant.
Intended learning outcomes
Student who successfully complete this subject will:
- reflect critically upon debates in early modern philosophy and the philosophical problems that continue to influence debates in metaphysics, epistemology, philosophy of mind and ethics;
- identitfy key philosophical concepts and show awareness of potential problems that led to the revision and refinement of these concepts in the historical debates;
- interpret philosophical texts that were written in the 17th and 18th centuries;
- write well-structured and well argued essays that explain and critically assess philosophical views covered in this subject;
- articulate own responses to philosophical views, support them by reasons and defend them in light of criticism;
- collaborate effectively and respectfully with other team members, listen to and learn from others and make well considered team decisions
Last updated: 27 April 2024
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: 27 April 2024
Assessment
Additional details
- A 1250 word essay, due mid semester (30%)
- Readiness assurance tests, equivalent to 750 words, due throughout the semester (15%)
- A take-home exam 2000 words, due in end of semester examination period (50%)
- Peer assessment throughout the semester (5%)
Hurdle requirement:
- Students must attend a minimum of 75% of tutorials in order to pass this subject.
- All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject.
Note: Students will be asked to complete short assessment tasks on a continuous basis inside and outside the classroom. Some of these tasks will be completed in teams. These tasks will be assessed as satisfactory/unsatisfactory and at least 70% of these tasks have to be completed satisfactorily to pass the subject.Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 10% per day. After five days late assessment will not be marked. In-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked.
Last updated: 27 April 2024
Dates & times
Not available in 2017
Time commitment details
170 hours
Additional delivery details
Students who have not studied Descartes' Meditations previously are encouraged to read them in preparation for this subject.
Last updated: 27 April 2024
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
A subject reader will be made available before the start of semester.
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Major Philosophy Informal specialisation Graduate Diploma in Arts - Philosophy Major Philosophy Major Informal specialisation Graduate Certificate in Arts - Philosophy - Breadth options
This subject is available as breadth in the following courses:
- Links to additional information
- Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
Last updated: 27 April 2024