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Unit of study_

PHIL3683: Core Issues in Theoretical Philosophy

Semester 1, 2024 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

This unit tackles some of the core methods and assumptions in theoretical philosophy via three closely connected modules. The first examines the idea that philosophy involves the analysis of concepts and generates a priori knowledge. The second examines how philosophy relates to empirical knowledge - both scientific knowledge in general, and empirical discoveries made by philosophers. The third module examines philosophical naturalism or related ideas: the question of whether the physical world is all that exists, and the extent to which philosophy is ultimately about the scientific image of the world.

Unit details and rules

Unit code PHIL3683
Academic unit Philosophy
Credit points 6
Prohibitions
? 
None
Prerequisites
? 
12 credit points at 2000 level in Philosophy
Corequisites
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Peter Anstey, peter.anstey@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Michael Nielsen, michael.nielsen@sydney.edu.au
Peter Anstey, peter.anstey@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Supervised exam
? 
Final exam
Answer three questions from a set of ten questions.
50% Formal exam period 2 hours
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Online task Quiz 1
Online quiz with multiple choice and/or short answer questions.
0.5% Week 02
Due date: 29 Feb 2024 at 15:05

Closing date: 29 Feb 2024
15 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2
Online task Quiz 2
Multiple choice and/or short answer questions
0.5% Week 03
Due date: 07 Mar 2024 at 15:05

Closing date: 07 Mar 2024
15 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2
Online task Quiz 3
Multiple choice and/or short answer questions
0.5% Week 04
Due date: 14 Mar 2024 at 15:05

Closing date: 14 Mar 2024
15 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2
Online task Quiz 4
Multiple choice and/or short answer questions
0.5% Week 05
Due date: 21 Mar 2024 at 15:05

Closing date: 21 Mar 2024
15 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2
Online task Quiz 5
Multiple choice and/or short answer questions
0.25% Week 06
Due date: 28 Mar 2024 at 15:05

Closing date: 28 Mar 2024
15 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO3
Online task Quiz 6
Multiple choice and/or short answer questions
0.25% Week 07
Due date: 11 Apr 2024 at 15:05

Closing date: 11 Apr 2024
15 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO3
Assignment Short essay
See Canvas for details.
5% Week 07
Due date: 12 Apr 2024 at 23:59

Closing date: 31 May 2024
400 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Online task Quiz 7
Multiple choice and/or short answer questions
0.25% Week 08
Due date: 18 Apr 2024 at 15:00

Closing date: 18 Apr 2024
15 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO3
Online task Quiz 8
Multiple choice and/or short answer questions
0.25% Week 09
Due date: 25 Apr 2024 at 15:05

Closing date: 25 Apr 2024
15 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO3
Online task Quiz 9
Multiple choice and/or short answer questions
0.5% Week 10
Due date: 02 May 2024 at 15:05

Closing date: 02 May 2024
15 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO3
Online task Quiz 10
Multiple choice and/or short answer questions
0.5% Week 11
Due date: 09 May 2024 at 15:05

Closing date: 09 May 2024
15 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO3
Assignment Essay
Long essay
40% Week 11
Due date: 10 May 2024 at 23:59

Closing date: 31 May 2024
2000 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO3 LO4
Online task Quiz 11
Multiple choice and/or short answer questions
0.5% Week 12
Due date: 16 May 2024 at 15:05

Closing date: 16 May 2024
15 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO3
Online task Quiz 12
Multiple choice and/or short answer questions
0.5% Week 13
Due date: 23 May 2024 at 15:00

Closing date: 23 May 2024
15 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO3

Assessment summary

See Canvas for details.

Assessment criteria

Assessment grading  

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

 

Distinction

75 - 84

 

Credit

65 - 74

 

Pass

50 - 64

 

Fail

0 - 49

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

See Canvas for details.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website  provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.  

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

You may only use artificial intelligence and writing assistance tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator, and if you do use them, you must also acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section.

Studiosity is permitted for postgraduate units unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy 2023 reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy 2023. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Introduction to PHIL3683 Lecture (2 hr)  
Week 02 Analysis and synthesis Lecture (2 hr)  
Week 03 Definitions and proofs Lecture (2 hr)  
Week 04 Concepts and ideas Lecture (2 hr)  
Week 05 Analysis and analytic philosophy Lecture (2 hr)  
Week 06 The a priori Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 07 The Canberra Plan Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 08 Thought experiments Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 09 Experimental philosophy Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 10 Naturalism and naturalized epistemology Lecture (2 hr)  
Week 11 Quinean naturalism and normativity Lecture (2 hr)  
Week 12 Mathematical and moral realism Lecture (2 hr)  
Week 13 Reliability, objectivity, and pluralism Lecture (2 hr)  

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. Gain a broad and detailed knowledge of the main methodologies employed in theoretical philosophy
  • LO2. Acquire a historical perspective on how theoretical philosophy has developed in the modern and post-modern eras
  • LO3. Develop skills in argument analysis and conceptual analysis
  • LO4. Gain a detailed knowledge of intersection points between theoretical philosophy and practical philosophy

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

On the basis of feedback, quizzes will commence at 5 minutes past the hour.

One in-class tutorial quiz each week from Week 02. Each quiz is worth 0.5% with top 10 marks counted towards final mark for quizzes. (Ignore weightings in Unit Outline.)

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.