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The Nature of Reality (PHIL20039)
Undergraduate level 2Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
About this subject
- Overview
- Eligibility and requirements
- Assessment
- Dates and times
- Further information
- Timetable(opens in new window)
Contact information
Semester 1
Email: dgoswick@unimelb.edu.au
Overview
| Availability | Semester 1 |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
Our central question in this subject will be the extent to which our everyday experiences are determined by the nature of the world itself versus the extent to which they're determined by the structure of our own minds. Our approach to this question will be multi-faceted, drawing on philosophical texts, films and literary works, as well as our personal experiences. In topic 1, the nature of the world, we'll discuss Realism, Idealism, and Skepticism. Is the world really as it seems intuitively to be to us (Realism) or is it just a projection of our minds (Idealism). In topic 2, the nature of the self, we'll examine (i) what changes you can undergo and still remain yourself, (ii) the extent to which your personality and mind are constructed by you vs. being given to you by nature or upbringing, and (iii) whether genuine relationships exist between you and others or whether it's mostly a projection on your part. In topic 3, the nature of time, we'll examine time. Does only the present moment exist or does reality consist of many moments of time - some past, some present, and some future? Is there really any such thing as time or is it, as Kant says, just a feature of our minds? Does contemporary physics show there's no such thing as time, or is there a way to reconcile the findings of physics with our intuitive view that time exists?
Intended learning outcomes
On completing this subject students will:
- have a critical understanding of the main issues in contemporary analytical metaphysics;
- have developed skills in philosophical reasoning concerning issues covered;
- be in a position to go on to more advanced work in this area.
Last updated: 22 November 2023
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Recommended background knowledge
| Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| PHIL10002 | Philosophy: The Big Questions | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| PHIL10003 | Philosophy: The Great Thinkers | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
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: 22 November 2023
Assessment
Additional details
- Three assignments of 600 words, due end of week 4, end of week 8 and end of week 12 (15% each)
- One assignment of 2200 words, due in the first week of the examination period (55%)
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: 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: 22 November 2023
Dates & times
- Semester 1
Principal coordinator Dana Goswick Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 2x 1-hour lectures each week and 1x 1-hour tutorial (weeks 2-12) Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 4 March 2019 to 2 June 2019 Last self-enrol date 15 March 2019 Census date 31 March 2019 Last date to withdraw without fail 10 May 2019 Assessment period ends 28 June 2019 Semester 1 contact information
Email: dgoswick@unimelb.edu.au
Time commitment details
170 hours
Additional delivery details
It is recommended that students enrolling in this subject have completed a first year philosophy subject, but this is not a requirement.
Last updated: 22 November 2023
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
A subject reader will be available at the university bookshop at the beginning of semester.
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Major Philosophy Major Philosophy Major - 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.
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
This subject is available to students studying at the University from eligible overseas institutions on exchange and study abroad. Students are required to satisfy any listed requirements, such as pre- and co-requisites, for enrolment in the subject.
Last updated: 22 November 2023