Students
PHIL703 – Foundations of Research in Modern European Philosophy: Kant's Critique of Pure Reason
2016 – S1 External
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Michael Olson
W6A 723
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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 focus of this unit is the 'critical philosophy' of Immanuel Kant. Kant’s critical philosophy is a key reference point for all the major traditions of modern European philosophy as well as moral theory. Some familiarity with it is essential for understanding subsequent developments in these traditions, and its influence on modern moral philosophy has been profound. The unit examines the critical philosophy as it is presented by Kant the “Critique of Pure Reason”, the “Critique of Practical Reason”, and other key texts.
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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 Kant’s critical philosophy and its historical and contemporary significance.
- Synthesise and analyse information from a variety of sources concerning foundational concepts and arguments in Critical Philosophy.
- Articulate clearly and coherently philosophical arguments in Critical Philosophy in written and oral form.
- 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 essay | 60% | end of term |
| Leading discussion | 15% | throughout semester |
| Discussion and Participation | 25% | thoughout semester |
Research essay
Due: end of term
Weighting: 60%
The 5000 word essay will involve a mandatory peer reviewing exercise in the last week's of the course. Students will write argumentative papers on topics of their choice that engage both Kant's text and the relevant scholarly debates.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Acquire a coherent and advanced knowledge of Kant’s critical philosophy and its historical and contemporary significance.
- Synthesise and analyse information from a variety of sources concerning foundational concepts and arguments in Critical Philosophy.
- Articulate clearly and coherently philosophical arguments in Critical Philosophy in written and oral form.
- Analyse and critically evaluate philosophical arguments.
- Apply acquired knowledge and skills in the context of philosophical scholarship.
Leading discussion
Due: throughout semester
Weighting: 15%
Students will take turns throughout the semester preparing and presenting discussion questions on the topics of each week. The particulars will depend on enrolments.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Acquire a coherent and advanced knowledge of Kant’s critical philosophy and its historical and contemporary significance.
- Articulate clearly and coherently philosophical arguments in Critical Philosophy in written and oral form.
- Work in cooperation with others and reflect on individual and group performance to identify opportunities for improvement.
Discussion and Participation
Due: thoughout semester
Weighting: 25%
Active preparation for and participation in in-person or online discussion.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Acquire a coherent and advanced knowledge of Kant’s critical philosophy and its historical and contemporary significance.
- 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
The unit relies heavily on online discussion. Students will need reliable access to ilearn.
Unit Schedule
For a detailed reading schedule, consult the unit's ilearn page.
The following is a thematic schedule for the semester:
Week 1: Preliminaries and Correspondence
Week 2: The Inaugural Dissertation (1770)
Week 3: Introducing the Critique and the Transcendental Aesthetic
Week 4: The Transcendental Logic
Week 5: The A Deduction
Week 6: The B Deduction
Week 7: The Principles of Pure Reason
Week 8: Idealism and the Postulates of Pure Reason
Week 9: Phenomena and Noumena
Week 10: Transition to the Dialectic
Week 11: The Paralogisms of Pure Reason
Week 12: The Antinomies
Week 13: The Ideal of Pure Reason and the Critique of Theology
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
New Assessment Policy in effect from Session 2 2016 http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy_2016.html. For more information visit http://students.mq.edu.au/events/2016/07/19/new_assessment_policy_in_place_from_session_2/
Assessment Policy prior to Session 2 2016 http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy.html
Grading Policy prior to Session 2 2016 http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grading/policy.html
Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html
Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/complaint_management/procedure.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://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.
Graduate Capabilities
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 Kant’s critical philosophy and its historical and contemporary significance.
- Articulate clearly and coherently philosophical arguments in Critical Philosophy in written and oral form.
- Analyse and critically evaluate philosophical arguments.
- Apply acquired knowledge and skills in the context of philosophical scholarship.
Assessment tasks
- Research essay
- Discussion and 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
- Synthesise and analyse information from a variety of sources concerning foundational concepts and arguments in Critical Philosophy.
- Analyse and critically evaluate philosophical arguments.
- Apply acquired knowledge and skills in the context of philosophical scholarship.
Assessment tasks
- Research essay
- Leading discussion
- Discussion and 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 Critical Philosophy.
- Articulate clearly and coherently philosophical arguments in Critical Philosophy in written and oral form.
- Analyse and critically evaluate philosophical arguments.
- Apply acquired knowledge and skills in the context of philosophical scholarship.
Assessment tasks
- Research essay
- Leading discussion
- Discussion and 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
- Articulate clearly and coherently philosophical arguments in Critical Philosophy in written and oral form.
- Work in cooperation with others and reflect on individual and group performance to identify opportunities for improvement.
Assessment tasks
- Research essay
- Leading discussion
- Discussion and 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 outcome
- Work in cooperation with others and reflect on individual and group performance to identify opportunities for improvement.