Unit Outline

Today’s burning questions often have deep philosophical roots. In this unit, you’ll explore those roots by examining some of the most enduring and provocative questions in philosophy. Here are some questions you may explore: What is morality? Do animals have rights? Who possesses knowledge? What is the status of scientific knowledge? What is ‘truth’? What is the nature of reality? These timeless inquiries are brought into conversation with contemporary challenges like the rise of artificial intelligence, misinformation, and the ethical implications of scientific and technological change. These real-world challenges will serve as entry points into key philosophical debates relating to the subdisciplines of moral philosophy, epistemology, metaphysics, and ontology.
This unit gives you the basis to start doing philosophy. In this introductory unit you’ll develop foundational skills in critical reflection, argument analysis, and clear communication. You’ll learn to ask thoughtful questions, evaluate competing perspectives, and articulate your own reasoned views on complex issues. No prior experience in philosophy is required, and you can take this unit on its own or alongside its companion unit. For details on the specific themes covered each semester, check the unit outline online before classes begin.

This semester begins with a broad introduction to moral philosophy, epistemology and metaphysics, followed by more focused philosophical investigations of artificial intelligence, personal identity and death.

Intended Learning Outcomes

As per the Assessment and Results Policy 1.3, your results will reflect your achievement against specified learning outcomes.

On completion of this unit, you will be able to:


1	Identify and explain foundational philosophical concepts in ethics, epistemology, and metaphysics.
2	Analyse and evaluate basic philosophical arguments related to core philosophical theories.
3	Express philosophical ideas in written and spoken formats.
4	Engage in respectful dialogue with a range of viewpoints

Alterations as a result of student feedback

The teaching team are continually refining the delivery of philosophy units drawing on student feedback.

How will I be Assessed?

For more detailed assessment information please see MyLO.

Assessment schedule


ASSESSMENT TASK #	ASSESSMENT TASK NAME	DATE DUE	WEIGHT	LINKS TO INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES
Assessment Task 1:	Short Written Task	Refer to Assessment Description	15 %	LO2, LO3
Assessment Task 2:	Participation	Refer to Assessment Description	20 %	LO1, LO4
Assessment Task 3:	Essay	Refer to Assessment Description	30 %	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
Assessment Task 4:	Take-Home Exam	Exam Period	35 %	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4

Assessment details

Assessment Task 1: Short Written Task

Task Description:

For a full description of this task, including the due dates and times, see assessment information in MyLO. Note that the order of the assessment tasks listed in this unit outline does not necessarily reflect the order in which the assessments are due.

Task Length:

500 Words

Due Date:

Refer to Assessment Description

Weight:

15 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Analysis	LO2
2	Clarity of expression and structure	LO3

Assessment Task 2: Participation

Task Description:

Task Length:

Ongoing contributions throughout semester

Due Date:

Refer to Assessment Description

Weight:

20 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Demonstrate knowledge of philosophical concepts, principles, and methods.	LO1
2	Engage in respectful dialogue with a range of viewpoints.	LO4

Assessment Task 3: Essay

Task Description:

Task Length:

1000 Words

Due Date:

Refer to Assessment Description

Weight:

30 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Comprehension of the relevant philosophical positions	LO1
2	Critical Analysis	LO2
3	Academic Writing	LO3
4	Development of your own position	LO4

Assessment Task 4: Take-Home Exam

Task Description:

Task Length:

1500 Words

Due Date:

Exam Period

Weight:

35 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Comprehension of philosophical positions	LO1
2	Critical Analysis	LO2
3	Academic Writing	LO3
4	Development of your own position	LO4

How your final result is determined

To pass this unit, you need to demonstrate your attainment of each of the Intended Learning Outcomes, achieve a final unit grade of 50% or greater, and pass any hurdle tasks.

Academic progress review

The results for this unit may be included in a review of your academic progress. For information about progress reviews and what they mean for all students, see Academic Progress Review in the Student Portal.

Submission of assignments

Where practicable, assignments should be submitted to an assignment submission folder in MYLO. You must submit assignments by the due date or receive a penalty (unless an extension of time has been approved by the Unit Coordinator). Students submitting any assignment in hard copy, or because of a practicum finalisation, must attach a student cover sheet and signed declaration for the submission to be accepted for marking.

Academic integrity

Academic integrity is about acting responsibly, honestly, ethically, and collegially when using, producing, and communicating information with other students and staff members.

In written work, you must correctly reference the work of others to maintain academic integrity. To find out the referencing style for this unit, see the assessment information in the MyLO site, or contact your teaching staff. For more detail about Academic Integrity, see Important Guidelines & Support.

Requests for extensions

If you are unable to submit an assessment task by the due date, you should apply for an extension.

A request for an extension should first be discussed with your Unit Coordinator or teaching support team where possible. A request for an extension must be submitted by the assessment due date, except where you can provide evidence it was not possible to do so. Typically, an application for an extension will be supported by documentary evidence: however, where it is not possible for you to provide evidence please contact your Unit Coordinator.

The Unit Coordinator must notify you of the outcome of an extension request within 3 working days of receiving the request.

Late penalties

Assignments submitted after the deadline will receive a late penalty of 5% of the original available mark for each calendar day (or part day) that the assignment is late. Late submissions will not be accepted more than 10 calendar days after the due date, or after assignments have been returned to other students on a scheduled date, whichever occurs first. Further information on Late Penalties can be found on the Assessments and Results Procedure.