Key facts
UNE unit code: PHIL308
*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Not offered in 2026
- Yes
- No
- No
- 6
Unit information
Friendship, love and sex are all central elements of a flourishing human life. But what are they? And how do they feature in a well-lived human life?
In this unit you will explore a range of philosophical issues such as the nature and meaning of romantic love, friendship, perversity, gender and sexual identity. You will begin with an examination of key historical texts including those of Plato, Aristotle, Immanuel Kant and Mary Astell before moving to recent philosophical debates.
You will consider, among other things: What is the nature and value of friendship? Do we have grounds for loving the people that we love, and does their gender matter? What are the proper boundaries of sexual practice? What role, if any, should government regulation have here? At the heart of these issues is the normative question of how an individual and a society can live and function well.
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- demonstrate a broad and coherent understanding of the major philosophical theories of friendship, love and sex;
- develop and defend philosophical arguments about friendship, love and sex based on the literature in the area; and
- apply research skills, well-developed judgement and initiative to write coherent, clear and critical essays.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
| Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment 1: Essay | Yes | 40% | All offerings | No. Words: 3500 |
| Take Home Exam | Yes | 60% | All offerings |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Textbook information will be displayed approximately 8 weeks prior to the commencement of the teaching period. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
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