Key facts
UNE unit code: PHIL150
*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 2 - On Campus
- Trimester 2 - Online
- Armidale Campus
- Yes
- No
- Yes
- 6
Unit information
A central philosophical question that puzzles many of us concerns the nature of reality and how we know it. What in fact is reality? How can we distinguish between illusion and reality? Can we trust our own senses?
Philosophers have thought deeply about these issues in the sub-disciplines of metaphysics and epistemology.
In this unit you will examine humanity’s attempt to discover the nature of reality and our knowledge of reality, beginning with the Ancient Greeks and then moving on to the writings of a range of important philosophical thinkers in the Western tradition.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 2 | On Campus, Armidale Campus |
| Trimester 2 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
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 an understanding of the main philosophical theses on the nature of reality;
- apply an understanding of the basics of philosophical thought about the nature of reality and of our knowledge of it to everysay problems;
- evaluate basic arguments in the areas of epistemology (the theory of knowledge and metaphysics; and
- demonstrate a systematic understanding of important links between epistemology and metaphysics, on the one hand, and science, on the other hand, and transmit this knowledge to others.
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 | Yes | 50% | All offerings | Essay No. Words: 2000 |
| Assessment 2 -- Assurance Task | Yes | 50% | All offerings | Supervised Exam. This online exam will be supervised via webcam and screen sharing technology. Coordinated by UNE Exams Unit. Students must pass the Assurance Task in order to pass the unit. No. Words: 2000 |
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.
Note: Recommended material may be held in the University Library — purchase is optional.
Oxford Dictionary of Philosophy
ISBN: 9780198735304
Blackburn, S., Oxford University Press 3rd ed. 2016
Text refers to: All offerings
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