Philosophy is the systematic exploration and analysis of fundamental questions about the world around us and the human condition. Courses within this major are structured around the areas in which ANU Philosophy boasts a robust international reputation: epistemology, logic, metaphysics, philosophy of mind, philosophy of science, moral and political philosophy, European philosophy, and Asian philosophy. The methodological core of Philosophy as a discipline lies in critically and explicitly addressing issues through argumentation and reasoning. By completing this major, students will develop the ability to critically assess arguments both for and against contentious positions, as well as to adeptly formulate and defend their own arguments in support of their beliefs. Courses engage with both historical and contemporary literature, often spanning diverse disciplines, and enable students to refine their interpretive and critical evaluation skills. Courses also tackle a wide array of significant and fundamental issues stemming from some of the most compelling and urgent real-world problems we currently encounter.
Learning Outcomes
- examine and describe major philosophical issues, theories, and positions across various fields and contexts;
- critically evaluate arguments in historical and contemporary literature that, where relevant, spans diverse disciplines, and analyse their core concepts, assumptions, and implications;
- articulate and defend written arguments for and against positions using rationally persuasive argumentation;
- apply philosophical ideas and arguments to devise solutions that address fundamental issues or real-world challenges; and
- engage in well-reasoned oral discussion and debate, substantiating viewpoints with justified arguments.
Relevant Degrees
Requirements
This major requires the completion of 48 units from the following lists, of which:
A maximum of 12 units may come from the completion of courses at 1000 level
A minimum of 18 units must come from the completion of courses at 3000 level
The 48 units must come from:
A maximum of 12 units from the completion of the following courses:
PHIL1004 - Fundamental Ideas in Philosophy: An Introduction (6 units)
PHIL1005 - Logic and Critical Thinking (6 units)
A minimum of 6 units from the completion of the following:
ASIA2054 - Chinese Philosophy: Creation and Development (6 units)
PHIL2012 - Buddhist Philosophy (6 units)
PHIL2014 - Topics in Analytic Philosophy (6 units)
PHIL2020 - Theories of Social Justice (6 units)
PHIL2042 - Philosophy of the Cosmos (6 units)
PHIL2057 - Philosophy of Science (6 units)
PHIL2061 - Philosophy of Mind (6 units)
PHIL2074 - Modern Theories of Knowledge (6 units)
PHIL2082 - Sex and Death: the Philosophy of Biology (6 units)
PHIL2087 - Nietzsche (6 units)
PHIL2122 - Philosophy and Public Policy (6 units)
PHIL2125 - Rationality and Social Cooperation (6 units)
PHIL2126 - Science in Society: Ethics, Public Policy and Scientific Practice (6 units)
PHIL2127 - The Philosophy of Time (6 units)
PHIL2128 - Philosophy of Physics (6 units)
PHIL2129 - Normative Ethical Theory (6 units)
PHIL2289 - Leviathan, Art and Law: Constituting the Body Politic (6 units)
PHIL2290 - Philosophy, AI and Society (6 units)
A minimum of 18 units from the completion of the following:
PHIL3073 - Advanced Ethics, Social and Political Philosophy (6 units)
PHIL3074 - Advanced Philosophical Topics (6 units)
PHIL3075 - The Philosophy of Gender: Knowledge, Power, Bodies (6 units)
PHIL3076 - Philosophy of the Life Sciences (6 units)
PHIL3077 - The Metaphysics of David Lewis (6 units)
PHIL3078 - The Philosophy of Emotions (6 units)
PHIL3079 - Evolution and Human Nature (6 units)
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