In this course, our goal will be to learn how to do philosophy by examining some central problems from a range of historical and contemporary philosophical traditions. Topics will change from year to year but may include issues in metaphysics, epistemology, philosophy of mind, philosophy of science, and ethics (amongst others). We will be particularly interested in the methods of critical thinking and argumentation that people have used in attempting to answer fundamental questions. Students will develop analytical skills that can be used in many other areas, at a level appropriate to first year students.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- understand and articulate some fundamental philosophical problems at an introductory level;
- explain and critically examine some fundamental philosophical problems as well as some prominent arguments for and against possible solutions;
- use philosophical argumentation to defend a position on these problems; and
- engage in productive, well-reasoned discussion of the course material.
Indicative Assessment
- Tutorial Participation (10) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- Writing (which may include in-class exercises, reading journals, and/or an essay up to 1500 words) (30) [LO 1,2,3]
- Quizzes (which may include in-class quizzes, online quizzes, and/or a midterm examination) (25) [LO 1,2,3] (25) [LO 1,2,3]
- Final Examination (during examinations period) (40) [LO 1,2,3]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
130 hours of total student learning time made up from:
a) 34 hours of contact over 12 weeks: 24 hours of lectures, and 10 hours of tutorials and tutorial-like activities; and,
b) 96 hours of independent student research, reading and writing.
Prescribed Texts
All relevant course materials will be made available on wattleMajors
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 14
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
First Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2044 | 23 Feb 2026 | 02 Mar 2026 | 31 Mar 2026 | 29 May 2026 | In Person | N/A |