PHL2110

Origins of modern philosophy A

Elizabeth Prior Jonson and Richard Hanley

8 points - 3 hours per week - Second semester - Clayton, Caulfield, Peninsula - Prerequisites: A first-year sequence in philosophy - The department will offer a 6 point version of this subject at Berwick and also offers PHL2110 in flexible delivery mode to students on any campus in any semester. If you are interested in taking this subject in flexible delivery mode, please contact the department.

Objectives On completing the subject students will have a grasp of some main topics in metaphysics and epistemology discussedin the works of Descartes. They should then be in a better position to understand contemporary philosophical work in these areas. This should serve as a sound foundation for more advanced work in both the history of philosophy and contemporary epistemology and metaphysics.

Synopsis This subject aims to provide an introduction to the main issues in metaphysics and epistemology. This subject aims to provide an introduction to the main issues in metaphysics and epistemology. Topics to be covered include scepticism, perceptual knowledge, the existence of God, concepts of substance, minds and persons. The discussion of these topics will be introduced through the work of Descartes, but the emphasis will be on issues of contemporary relevance and students will need to read recent work in epistemology and metaphysics from both the analytic and european traditions.

Assessment on-campus Two essays (1500-2000words each): 30% each, two expository exercises of 750 words each: 20% - One 1-hour examination: 20% - One essay may optionally be replaced by a two-hour examination.
Assessment flexible-mode Two essays (2000 words each): 30% each - Two exercises: 10% each - One 1-hour examination: 20% - Full details of the assessment, which conforms to the Keller Plan, will be provided at the commencement of the course.

Prescribed texts

Descartes R (tr. J Cottingham) Meditations on first philosophy CUP
Townsend A (ed.) Origins of modern philosophy A: Descartes and the defence of reason Monash University Department of Philosophy

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