PHIL 100 : Mind, Knowledge, and Reality

Arts

2020 Semester One (1203) (15 POINTS)

Course Prescription

Metaphysics deals with fundamental problems about the nature of the world and human beings, for example, questions about the existence of God, the nature of time, the relationship between mind and body and the nature of identity and the self. The theory of knowledge studies the sources, limits and justification of human knowledge and understanding as distinct from opinion or belief.

Course Overview

This course, which could also be titled "Introduction to Metaphysics and Epistemology," focuses upon theories concerning the ultimate nature of reality and the nature of knowledge.  It considers fundamental philosophical problems and puzzles about the world and human beings, for example, questions about the existence of God, the relationship between the mind and the body,  and the power of the human mind to know the truth.

As it is presently constructed, this course typically divides into three sections of equal length, with three instructors, each of whom teaches a 4-week segment: (1) Historically influential theories of knowledge and reality (e.g., Plato, from the Ancient world, and Descartes, from the 1600's), (2) Contemporary theories of knowledge, and (3) Minds and computers.  Topics will include the differences between mythology and philosophy, whether higher level dimensions exist beyond space and time, arguments for God's existence, arguments for the possibility of life after death, the difference between knowledge and belief, whether absolute certainty is possible, the specific nature of scientific knowledge, and philosophical questions surrounding the nature and limits of artificial intelligence, such as the similarities and differences between the human mind and computers.

Course Requirements

No pre-requisites or restrictions

Capabilities Developed in this Course

Capability 1: Disciplinary Knowledge and Practice
Capability 2: Critical Thinking
Capability 4: Communication and Engagement
Capability 5: Independence and Integrity
Capability 6: Social and Environmental Responsibilities
Graduate Profile: Bachelor of Arts

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students will be able to:
  1. Read some of the most influential philosophical texts written by classical and contemporary philosophers (Capability 1.1)
  2. Evaluate philosophical arguments critically and in close logical detail (Capability 2.1 and 4.1)
  3. Compare and contrast competing interpretations of the nature of reality and of the limits of our knowledge (Capability 1.1, 5.2 and 6.3)
  4. Evaluate philosophical theorizing within its historical context (Capability 1.1)
  5. Apply the major insights of classical and contemporary philosophers to non-philosophical contexts (Capability 1.1 and 1.2)
  6. Understand the differences between mythology, philosophy, and natural science (Capability 1.1, 5.2 and 6.3)

Assessments

Assessment Type Percentage Classification
Coursework 40% Individual Coursework
Early Formative Test Individual Coursework
Final Exam 60% Individual Coursework

There is no plussage

Next offered

First Semester, 2021

Workload Expectations

This course is a standard 15 point course and students are expected to spend 10 hours per week involved in each 15 point course that they are enrolled in.

For this course, you can expect 24 hours of lectures, a 1 hour weekly tutorial, and on the average, 4 hours per week of reading and thinking about the content and 3 hours of work per week on assignments and/or test preparation.

Digital Resources

Course materials are made available in a learning and collaboration tool called Canvas which also includes reading lists and lecture recordings (where available).

Please remember that the recording of any class on a personal device requires the permission of the instructor.

Academic Integrity

The University of Auckland will not tolerate cheating, or assisting others to cheat, and views cheating in coursework as a serious academic offence. The work that a student submits for grading must be the student's own work, reflecting their learning. Where work from other sources is used, it must be properly acknowledged and referenced. This requirement also applies to sources on the internet. A student's assessed work may be reviewed against online source material using computerised detection mechanisms.

Inclusive Learning

All students are asked to discuss any impairment related requirements privately, face to face and/or in written form with the course coordinator, lecturer or tutor.

Student Disability Services also provides support for students with a wide range of impairments, both visible and invisible, to succeed and excel at the University. For more information and contact details, please visit the Student Disability Services’ website at http://disability.auckland.ac.nz

Well-being always comes first
We all go through tough times during the semester, or see our friends struggling. There is lots of help out there - for more information, look at this Canvas page (https://canvas.auckland.ac.nz/courses/33894), which has links to various support services in the University and the wider community.

Special Circumstances

If your ability to complete assessed coursework is affected by illness or other personal circumstances outside of your control, contact a member of teaching staff as soon as possible before the assessment is due.

If your personal circumstances significantly affect your performance, or preparation, for an exam or eligible written test, refer to the University’s aegrotat or compassionate consideration page: https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/academic-information/exams-and-final-results/during-exams/aegrotat-and-compassionate-consideration.html.

This should be done as soon as possible and no later than seven days after the affected test or exam date.

Student Feedback

At the end of every semester students will be invited to give feedback on the course and teaching through a tool called SET or Qualtrics. The lecturers and course co-ordinators will consider all feedback and respond with summaries and actions.

Your feedback helps teachers to improve the course and its delivery for future students.

Class Representatives in each class can take feedback to the department and faculty staff-student consultative committees.

Student Charter and Responsibilities

The Student Charter assumes and acknowledges that students are active participants in the learning process and that they have responsibilities to the institution and the international community of scholars. The University expects that students will act at all times in a way that demonstrates respect for the rights of other students and staff so that the learning environment is both safe and productive. For further information visit Student Charter (https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/forms-policies-and-guidelines/student-policies-and-guidelines/student-charter.html).

Disclaimer

Elements of this outline may be subject to change. The latest information about the course will be available for enrolled students in Canvas.

In this course you may be asked to submit your coursework assessments digitally. The University reserves the right to conduct scheduled tests and examinations for this course online or through the use of computers or other electronic devices. Where tests or examinations are conducted online remote invigilation arrangements may be used. The final decision on the completion mode for a test or examination, and remote invigilation arrangements where applicable, will be advised to students at least 10 days prior to the scheduled date of the assessment, or in the case of an examination when the examination timetable is published.

Published on 22/12/2019 10:28 a.m.