Students
PHIL702 – Research Topics in Mind and World
2015 – S2 Day
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Other Staff
Albert Atkin
Contact via albert.atkin@mq.edu.au
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|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
4
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
Admission to MRes
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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 will examine contemporary research in one of the traditional fields covered by Metaphysics and Epistemology, especially research concerning the relationship between mind and world, as mediated by language, science, and culture. The unit will revolve around a current ‘hot topic' of research in this area. Students will be brought up to speed on this topic so that they are in a position to begin to pursue their own research project.
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Important Academic Dates
Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- Acquire a coherent and advanced knowledge of the methodology, concepts and arguments in recent Philosophy of Language
- Synthesise and analyse information from a variety of sources concerning foundational concepts and arguments in the Philosophy of Language.
- Articulate clearly and coherently philosophical arguments in the Philosophy of Language in written and oral form to a variety of audiences.
- Analyse and critically evaluate philosophical arguments.
- Apply acquired knowledge and skills in the context of philosophical scholarship.
- Work in cooperation with others and reflect on individual and group performance to identify opportunities for improvement.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Due |
|---|---|---|
| Research Paper (First Draft) | 0% | Monday November 9th, 2015 |
| Referee Report | 25% | Monday November 16th, 2015 |
| Research Paper (Final) | 50% | Monday 23rd November, 2015 |
| Response to Referee | 10% | Monday 23rd November, 2015. |
| Seminar Participation | 15% | On-going |
Research Paper (First Draft)
Due: Monday November 9th, 2015
Weighting: 0%
In no less the 4500 words (including notes and references), and no more that 5500 words (including notes and references), will use one of two possible questions to write a journal style paper. The paper is designed to develop your ability to engage with a topic in philosophical depth, displaying your understanding of fundamental issues not through simple exegesis, but through sophisticated assimilation of extant theories into a sustained argument.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Acquire a coherent and advanced knowledge of the methodology, concepts and arguments in recent Philosophy of Language
- Synthesise and analyse information from a variety of sources concerning foundational concepts and arguments in the Philosophy of Language.
- Articulate clearly and coherently philosophical arguments in the Philosophy of Language in written and oral form to a variety of audiences.
- Analyse and critically evaluate philosophical arguments.
- Apply acquired knowledge and skills in the context of philosophical scholarship.
Referee Report
Due: Monday November 16th, 2015
Weighting: 25%
You will be assigned a fellow student's Draft Research Paper to read on Monday November 9th. You must write and submit a report by later than Monday November 16th November. You will be given a template to use in writing your referees' report. Your report should be between 750 and 1000 words. You will be anonymous to the author of the paper you referee. Only some of your comments and recommendations will be returned to the author.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Synthesise and analyse information from a variety of sources concerning foundational concepts and arguments in the Philosophy of Language.
- Articulate clearly and coherently philosophical arguments in the Philosophy of Language in written and oral form to a variety of audiences.
- Analyse and critically evaluate philosophical arguments.
- Apply acquired knowledge and skills in the context of philosophical scholarship.
- Work in cooperation with others and reflect on individual and group performance to identify opportunities for improvement.
Research Paper (Final)
Due: Monday 23rd November, 2015
Weighting: 50%
Having received referees comments on your Draft Submission - you will receive comments from your referee no later than 5pm on Monday the 23rd of November - you will need to revise (if necessary), and edit, your paper in light of these comments. You cannot make signicant alterations from the original submission unless it is in response to your referee's report. Again, your paper can be no less the 4500 words (including notes and references), and no more that 5500 words (including notes and references).
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Acquire a coherent and advanced knowledge of the methodology, concepts and arguments in recent Philosophy of Language
- Synthesise and analyse information from a variety of sources concerning foundational concepts and arguments in the Philosophy of Language.
- Articulate clearly and coherently philosophical arguments in the Philosophy of Language in written and oral form to a variety of audiences.
- Analyse and critically evaluate philosophical arguments.
- Apply acquired knowledge and skills in the context of philosophical scholarship.
Response to Referee
Due: Monday 23rd November, 2015.
Weighting: 10%
Along with your final, revised paper, you must submit a brief report (of no more that 500 words) saying how you responded to your referee's comments in your final submission.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Synthesise and analyse information from a variety of sources concerning foundational concepts and arguments in the Philosophy of Language.
- Articulate clearly and coherently philosophical arguments in the Philosophy of Language in written and oral form to a variety of audiences.
- Analyse and critically evaluate philosophical arguments.
- Apply acquired knowledge and skills in the context of philosophical scholarship.
- Work in cooperation with others and reflect on individual and group performance to identify opportunities for improvement.
Seminar Participation
Due: On-going
Weighting: 15%
You contributions, reflections etc, to the readings in seminars, and other appropriate fora will be marked.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Acquire a coherent and advanced knowledge of the methodology, concepts and arguments in recent Philosophy of Language
- Synthesise and analyse information from a variety of sources concerning foundational concepts and arguments in the Philosophy of Language.
- Articulate clearly and coherently philosophical arguments in the Philosophy of Language in written and oral form to a variety of audiences.
- Analyse and critically evaluate philosophical arguments.
- Apply acquired knowledge and skills in the context of philosophical scholarship.
- Work in cooperation with others and reflect on individual and group performance to identify opportunities for improvement.
Delivery and Resources
Delivery:
One weekly two hour discussion seminar. There is also an iLearn site for this course.
Set Texts:
Saul, J. (2012). Lying , Misleading and What is Said: An Exploration in Philosophy of Language and in Ethics. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Other readings will be provided via the iLearn site.
Unit Schedule
Section One - Lying and Misleading
Week One: Introduction
Week Two: Lying and Misleading (Chapter 1 - Saul)
Week Three: The Problem of "What is Said" (Chapter 2 Saul)
Week Four: Rethinking "What is said" (Chapter 3 Saul)
Week Five: The Moral Difference Between Lying and Misleading (Chapter 4)
Week Six: Saul's Picture Applied (Chapter 5)
Week Seven: Lying, Misleading and Discourse Structure (Stokke forthcoming).
----Mid-Semester Break----
Section Two - Slurs and Pejoratives
Week Eight: The Nature of Expressive Language (Potts 2007)
Week Nine: A Semantic Strategy (Hornsby 2001)
Week Ten: Presuppositions (Richard 2008 Ch 1)
Week Eleven: Inferentialism (Williamson 2009)
Week Twelve: "Thick" Content (Hom 2006)
Policies and Procedures
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.
Student Code of Conduct
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/student_conduct/
Results
Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au.
Student Support
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Learning Skills
Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.
Student Services and Support
Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.
Student Enquiries
For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au
IT Help
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.
Graduate Capabilities
PG - Capable of Professional and Personal Judgment and Initiative
Our postgraduates will demonstrate a high standard of discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgment. They will have the ability to make informed choices and decisions that reflect both the nature of their professional work and their personal perspectives.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Apply acquired knowledge and skills in the context of philosophical scholarship.
- Work in cooperation with others and reflect on individual and group performance to identify opportunities for improvement.
Assessment tasks
- Research Paper (First Draft)
- Referee Report
- Research Paper (Final)
- Response to Referee
- Seminar Participation
PG - Discipline Knowledge and Skills
Our postgraduates will be able to demonstrate a significantly enhanced depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content knowledge in their chosen fields.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Acquire a coherent and advanced knowledge of the methodology, concepts and arguments in recent Philosophy of Language
- Synthesise and analyse information from a variety of sources concerning foundational concepts and arguments in the Philosophy of Language.
- Articulate clearly and coherently philosophical arguments in the Philosophy of Language in written and oral form to a variety of audiences.
- Analyse and critically evaluate philosophical arguments.
- Apply acquired knowledge and skills in the context of philosophical scholarship.
Assessment tasks
- Research Paper (First Draft)
- Referee Report
- Research Paper (Final)
- Response to Referee
- Seminar Participation
PG - Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking
Our postgraduates will be capable of utilising and reflecting on prior knowledge and experience, of applying higher level critical thinking skills, and of integrating and synthesising learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments. A characteristic of this form of thinking is the generation of new, professionally oriented knowledge through personal or group-based critique of practice and theory.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Acquire a coherent and advanced knowledge of the methodology, concepts and arguments in recent Philosophy of Language
- Synthesise and analyse information from a variety of sources concerning foundational concepts and arguments in the Philosophy of Language.
- Articulate clearly and coherently philosophical arguments in the Philosophy of Language in written and oral form to a variety of audiences.
- Analyse and critically evaluate philosophical arguments.
Assessment tasks
- Research Paper (First Draft)
- Referee Report
- Research Paper (Final)
- Response to Referee
- Seminar Participation
PG - Research and Problem Solving Capability
Our postgraduates will be capable of systematic enquiry; able to use research skills to create new knowledge that can be applied to real world issues, or contribute to a field of study or practice to enhance society. They will be capable of creative questioning, problem finding and problem solving.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Synthesise and analyse information from a variety of sources concerning foundational concepts and arguments in the Philosophy of Language.
- Articulate clearly and coherently philosophical arguments in the Philosophy of Language in written and oral form to a variety of audiences.
- Analyse and critically evaluate philosophical arguments.
Assessment tasks
- Research Paper (First Draft)
- Referee Report
- Research Paper (Final)
- Response to Referee
- Seminar Participation
PG - Effective Communication
Our postgraduates will be able to communicate effectively and convey their views to different social, cultural, and professional audiences. They will be able to use a variety of technologically supported media to communicate with empathy using a range of written, spoken or visual formats.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Acquire a coherent and advanced knowledge of the methodology, concepts and arguments in recent Philosophy of Language
- Articulate clearly and coherently philosophical arguments in the Philosophy of Language in written and oral form to a variety of audiences.
- Analyse and critically evaluate philosophical arguments.
- Apply acquired knowledge and skills in the context of philosophical scholarship.
- Work in cooperation with others and reflect on individual and group performance to identify opportunities for improvement.
Assessment tasks
- Research Paper (First Draft)
- Referee Report
- Research Paper (Final)
- Response to Referee
- Seminar Participation
PG - Engaged and Responsible, Active and Ethical Citizens
Our postgraduates will be ethically aware and capable of confident transformative action in relation to their professional responsibilities and the wider community. They will have a sense of connectedness with others and country and have a sense of mutual obligation. They will be able to appreciate the impact of their professional roles for social justice and inclusion related to national and global issues
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Articulate clearly and coherently philosophical arguments in the Philosophy of Language in written and oral form to a variety of audiences.
- Apply acquired knowledge and skills in the context of philosophical scholarship.
- Work in cooperation with others and reflect on individual and group performance to identify opportunities for improvement.
Assessment tasks
- Research Paper (First Draft)
- Referee Report
- Research Paper (Final)
- Response to Referee
- Seminar Participation