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Unit of study_
PHIL3615: Contemporary Pragmatism
2021 unit information
This unit will explore the distinctive philosophical outlook known as "Pragmatism" which many see as a third way beyond the analytic-continental divide. After a brief survey of classical American Pragmatism (C.S. Peirce, William James, John Dewey) we will consider in depth neo-pragmatism (Richard Rorty, Hilary Putnam), linguistic pragmatism (Robert Brandom, Huw Price), and methodological pragmatism (David Macarthur). Key issues will include realism, empiricism, naturalism, scientism, metaphysical quietism, the fact/value distinction, and the agent point of view in philosophy.
Unit details and rules
Managing faculty or University school:
Philosophy
| Code | PHIL3615 |
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| Academic unit | Philosophy |
| Credit points | 6 |
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Prerequisites:
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12 credit points in Philosophy |
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Corequisites:
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None |
| Prohibitions:
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PHIL3015 |
| Assumed knowledge:
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None |
At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:
- LO1. This unit of study will acquaint students with a way of approaching and understanding contemporary pragmatism. Students will critically engage with key texts from historical and modern sources in the field of pragmatism. This course will challenge students to think about the topics of truth and objectivity from a pragmatist perspective, as well as considering the fruitfulness of this approach in contrast to other philosophical approaches. Generically, this unit of study will impart new understandings of pragmatism, enhance reflective thinking skills, and improve the ability to speak and write critically, independently, and clearly.
- LO2. Identify, formulate and assess philosophical problems and demonstrate an understanding of important conceptual distinctions.
- LO3. Demonstrate disciplinary expertise in several major areas of philosophy, such as epistemology, ethics, the history of philosophy, logic, metaphysics, philosophy of science, and political philosophy.
- LO4. Express themselves precisely and demonstrate an ability to make rationally persuasive arguments.
- LO5. Demonstrate sensitivity, intellectual honesty, generosity and cultural competence in textual interpretation and argument.
- LO6. Effectively apply philosophical knowledge and approaches to issues encountered in an interdisciplinary context.
- LO7. Read, understand and critically engage with philosophical texts both historical and contemporary.
Unit availability
This section lists the session, attendance modes and locations the unit is available in. There is a unit outline for each of the unit availabilities, which gives you information about the unit including assessment details and a schedule of weekly activities.
The outline is published 2 weeks before the first day of teaching. You can look at previous outlines for a guide to the details of a unit.
There are no availabilities for this year.
Modes of attendance (MoA)
This refers to the Mode of attendance (MoA) for the unit as it appears when you’re selecting your units in Sydney Student. Find more information about modes of attendance on our website.
