Key facts
UNE unit code: PHIL151
*You are viewing the 2027 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 1 - On Campus
- Trimester 1 - Online
- Armidale Campus
- Yes
- No
- Yes
- 6
Unit information
This unit introduces three of the enduring themes of philosophy: namely (i) Freedom, Fatalism and Determinism, (ii) the Self and (iii) the Ethical Life.
In this unit you will begin by considering whether we are genuinely free to shape our futures or whether fatalism about the future might be true. The unit then considers the nature of the self. We ask what is the self and where is it located? Finally, in the third module, you will examine important philosophical discussions of ethics by thinkers such as Aristotle, Kant and John Stuart Mill.
The aim of the unit is to provide you with an overview and introduction to key philosophical questions that are central to the very idea of being human.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 1 | On Campus, Armidale Campus |
| Trimester 1 | 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:
- think critically about the key philosophical questions about freedom, the self and the nature of ethics;
- demonstrate in their assessment tasks critical thinking skills and autonomy and judgement in the presentation and development of arguments;
- apply critical thinking in both philosophical and non-philosophical contexts;
- demonstrate a depth of knowledge concerning some significant thinkers in the western philosophical tradition; and
- apply philosophical concepts to a range of problems that arise in everyday life.
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 | 40% | All offerings | Essay No. Words: 2000 |
| Examination - Assurance Task | Yes | 60% | All offerings | Supervised Exam. This online exam will be supervised via webcam and screen sharing technology. Coordinated by UNE Exams Unit. Students must pass this 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: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
What is This Thing called Ethics?
ISBN: 9780415832335
Bennett, C., Routledge 2nd ed. 2015
Text refers to: All offerings
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