Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Unit Convenor
Jeanette Kennett
Contact via jeanette.kennett@mq.edu.au
Co-Convenor
Andrew Dunstall
Contact via andrew.dunstall@mq.edu.au
W6A 730
Lecturer
Colin Klein
Lecturer
Rachel Brown
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Credit points |
Credit points
3
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Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
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Corequisites |
Corequisites
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Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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Unit description |
Unit description
The unit introduces the big philosophical questions about human nature, personal identity and the meaning of life. What is the fundamental nature of reality? Are human beings somehow unique in nature? Do we have distinct selves that endure through time? What is the relation between our identity and the things that matter to us? We take a broadly historical approach, reading the classic philosophical texts as well as contemporary work. Three themes recur across the unit: the relation of mind and body, the quest for knowledge, and the nature of the self. We begin with conceptions of the mind at the dawn of the modern period, asking whether mind is entirely physical or could in principle survive bodily death. We also explore the links between the self, time, and memory. We then introduce some key thinkers of the twentieth century; and we explore their views on freedom, lived experience, and our relations to others. The unit as a whole offers a detailed introduction to controversial questions about the nature of the mind, showing how historical understanding animates current debates, and demonstrating the relevance of philosophy to live modern issues about science, human nature, and culture.
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Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
Name | Weighting | Due |
---|---|---|
Introduction to philosophy | 10% | week 4 |
Philosophical analysis | 20% | Week 5 |
Short Analysis Portfolio | 25% | Week 9 |
Case study: Responsibility | 35% | 21/11/14 |
Tutorials ~ Involvement | 10% | On-going |
Due: week 4
Weighting: 10%
A short and easy task, conducted in tutorials (online for external students), that introduces you to some of the key parts of studying philosophy. This will be drawn from the material delivered in weeks 1-3.
Due: Week 5
Weighting: 20%
This assignment introduces the basics of philosophical analysis: critical reading, analysis of arguments, and defending your own opinion. You will analyse a text by, or concerning, René Descartes (1596-1650) on the nature of mind, knowledge, or the body. Your analysis will be assisted by structured questions. This assignment requires no additional reading.
Due: Week 9
Weighting: 25%
This portfolio teaches you to navigate philosophical debates. You will practise the recognition and discussion of philosophical texts. You will present a series of 6 discussions, drawn from the course content, in which you will refine your ability to recognise themes and problems in metaphysics and philosophy of mind, and practice your ability to summarise them. You will also be asked to provide a critical opinion on one or more topic.
Due: 21/11/14
Weighting: 35%
In this assignment you will be placed in a role where you must write a briefing for a real-world case concerning when an individual can be deemed responsible. You will analyse a series of documents including empirical case notes, police reports, media stories, and other relevant information. You will need to gather together everything you've learned during semester to provide a recommendation concerning the kind and level of responsibility for the case. You'll be provided with examples and a structure to help you with your role.
Due: On-going
Weighting: 10%
Participation in tutorials develops your skills in communication, collaboration, and awareness of diversity. Your participation in these discussions and activities will contribute to your overall assessment.
Tutorial activities will include discussion of material, debate, presenting and defending your own arguments, collaborating in philosophical analysis, giving and receiving feedback on your work and others', explaining and clarifying ideas, practising of technical philosophical skills, and more. These require you to prepare well each week. The more you participate in these activities, the more likely you will do well in other assessments.
Attendance is not compulsory. No grades are received for simply turning up. The way to do well is to prepare well and take part.
Required Reading
The main content of the course will revolve around a book of readings (PHL131 Mind, Meaning and Metaphysics). This will be available from the Campus Bookstore. This contains all required reading.
Technology Used and Required
We use an iLearn website, and the Echo360 lecture recordings. Lecture notes and any other material you need will be available through the iLearn website. We recommend you have access to a reliable internet connection throughout semester.
Assignment Submission
Assignments in this course will be submitted electronically, as word documents. There is no need for a coversheet - the iLearn assignment submission (Turnitin) involves declaring your details and honesty in submitting your work. Please note, we do not accept submission by email attachment.
Extensions and Special Consideration
Requests for extensions must, normally, be made in writing before the due date. Extensions of up to 3 days can be granted by your tutor if reasonable grounds are given, and some written documentation can be produced. Work load from other units, or from employment, are not considered reasonable justification.
Requests for extensions of more than 3 days should be submitted via a Disruption to Studies Request, which is available in the ask.mq.edu.au portal. Your request should be accompanied by appropriate documentation, such as a medical certificate. Please see the Disruption to Studies policy in the list of policies at the end of this document for further details.
Penalties for Late Submission
Late submissions of assignments will attract a penalty proportionate to the nature and timeliness of the work. All work must be submitted within 2 weeks of the assessment due date. Outside of this time, special circumstances must be proven to have interrupted your study.
PHL131 Unit Schedule S2, 2014
Week 1: General introduction
2: Descartes on what can be known
3: Descartes on the nature of the mind
4: Locke and Personal Identity
Assessment 1 (in-class)
5: Personal Identity - Do I survive?
Assessment 2 (Philosophical Analysis)
6 Identity and Bodies
7: Identity: Multiple Personality
~ Mid Semester Break ~
8: Free Will and Determinism
9: Free Will and Making Choices
Assessment 3 (Portfolio of short analyses)
10: Responsibility and Memory
11: Responsibility and Narrating our own lives
12: Case studies in Responsibility
13: Neuro-law Case Study
In the first week of exams: Assessment 4 (Case study)
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
Academic Honesty Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html
Assessment Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy.html
Grading Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grading/policy.html
Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html
Grievance Management Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grievance_management/policy.html
Disruption to Studies Policy http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html The Disruption to Studies Policy is effective from March 3 2014 and replaces the Special Consideration Policy.
In addition, a number of other policies can be found in the Learning and Teaching Category of Policy Central.
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/student_conduct/
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.
Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.
For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au
For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://informatics.mq.edu.au/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.
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