- Students are to follow the requirements of the Handbook for the year they commenced the course.
However, the subject links below do not contain the subject information for the current year. You can view current subject information through the new Course Handbook.
Philosophy
The course information on this page is for new students commencing their degree in 2016 only.
Students should follow the rules and requirements for the year that they commenced their course. The online course information for years prior to 2016 are available from the Archives link in the menu.
Students should also review current subject availabilities via the Subject Descriptions link in the menu.
Philosophy engages with the most fundamental questions and puts you into dialogue with the greatest thinkers who have tried to answer them. It asks: What is the good life? How should we treat others and the environment? What makes an action morally good? What is a person? How do minds fit in nature? Can we know anything with certainty? What is social justice? Which rights matter in a fair society?
By studying Philosophy you will improve your analytical reasoning skills, broaden and deepen your understanding of foundational topics and learn how to respect and value diverse points of view. You will acquire skills in independent thinking and gain experience in analysing and carefully assessing arguments and ideas on a wide range of topics. These are highly marketable graduate qualities, sought after by employers.
Major areas of study at UOW include ethics; political philosophy; theory of knowledge; philosophy of mind; phenomenology and existentialism; metaphysics; philosophy of language and philosophy of science.
Major Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this major students will be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of central concepts and arguments in philosophy including contemporary problems in mind, ethics, politics, and science;
- Evaluate and critically assess arguments, and evidence for and against different philosophical points of view;
- Describe and critically reflect upon a range of alternative perspectives and recognise their underlying assumptions;
- Articulate the relationship between philosophical and practical problems;
- Engage in responsible and informed debate and decision-making.
Subjects Required for Major Study
Philosophy consists of at least 48 credit points as outlined below.
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Credit Points | Session(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core | |||
| PHIL107 | Introduction to Philosophy | 6 | Autumn |
| PHIL218 | Ethics | 6 | Spring First Offered 2017 |
| PHIL219 | Knowledge and Explanation | 6 | Autumn First Offered 2017 |
| PHIL304 | Great Thinkers | 6 | Autumn First Offered 2018 |
| PHIL328 | Philosophy at Work (Capstone) | 6 | Autumn/Spring First Offered 2018 |
| Plus at least ONE subject from the following at 100 or 200 Level: | |||
| PHIL106 | Media, Art and Society | 6 | Spring |
| PHIL151 | Critical Reasoning | 6 | Spring |
| PHIL235 | International Studies in Philosophy | 6 | Autumn, Spring First Offered 2017 |
| PHIL226 | Global Ethics | 6 | Spring First Offered 2017 |
| PHIL227 | Phenomenology and Existentialism | 6 | Spring First Offered 2017 |
| PHIL228 | Language, Truth and Reality | 6 | Autumn First Offered 2017 |
| PHIL256 | Environmental Philosophy | 6 | Autumn |
| PHIL234 | Mind and Metaphysics | 6 | Autumn First Offered 2017 |
| Plus at least TWO subjects from the following at 300 Level: | |||
| PHIL327 | Special Philosophical Questions | 6 | Autumn, Spring First Offered 2018 |
| PHIL318 | Philosophical Psychology | 6 | Autumn First Offered 2018 |
| PHIL319 | Political Philosophy | 6 | Spring First Offered 2018 |
| PHIL320 | Life and Mind | 6 | Spring First Offered 2018 |
| PHIL326 | Bioethics | 6 | Autumn First Offered 2018 |
Minor Study
A minor in Philosophy is available and consists of at least 24 credit points of subjects from the schedule of the Philosophy major.
At least 12 credit points must be at 200 level of higher.
Honours
Credit Arrangements
Credit and articulation arrangements are available from the Course Finder. Refer to UOW's credit arrangements for information on how to apply for credit.
Other Information
Further information is available at:
UOW Course Finder
Email: lha-enquiries@uow.edu.au