Philosophy: The Big Questions (PHIL10002)

In this subject you will be introduced to philosophy via a number of big philosophical questions – it’s in the name!  

We won’t be assuming any prior knowledge of philosophy, but it’s very likely that you have encountered some of these big questions throughout your life. This is because philosophical questions are ones that are fundamental to being human and reflecting on the nature of the world that we live in. The subject is divided into three modules, with each module looking at big questions from a particular area of philosophy. These may include questions like:  

• What is truth and how can we come to know it?
• What makes an action morally right or wrong?
• What is a just society?
• Do you have free will or are all your actions already determined?
• What, if anything, makes you the person that you are?  

We will mainly examine contemporary (20th and 21st century) philosophers’ articulations of and responses to these questions. The aim of critically engaging with these philosophers is for you to develop and articulate your own philosophical views in response to our big questions. In doing so you will collaborate with your peers in philosophical dialogue to construct, evaluate and support different philosophical positions.   

Philosophy: The Big Questions is available as a Bachelor of Arts Discovery subject, supporting your introduction to university and fostering connections within your course. If you are taking this as your Discovery subject, you will need to concurrently complete the three compulsory Joining Melbourne modules. 

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of this subject, students should be able to:

• Reflect critically and creatively upon big philosophical questions
• Critically evaluate philosophical arguments in both written and oral forms
• Reconstruct arguments from reading philosophical texts 
• Articulate their own philosophical views and arguments, in both oral and written form
• Engage in constructive dialogue with their peers in critically discussing philosophical ideas

Generic skills

Upon completion of this subject, students should be able to:

• Exercise critical thinking and analysis in evaluating information
• Generate original ideas and solutions
• Collaborate with peers in solving problems
• Communicate effectively in oral and written forms
• Manage time effectively to balance various responsibilities