PHL2116

Foundations of modern philosophy A: Descartes

Aubrey Townsend and others

6 points - 3 hours per week - First semsterBerwick - Prerequisites: A first-year sequence in philosophy - This subject may be taught in flexible delivery mode if the student enrolment is small

Objectives On completing the subject students will have a grasp of some main topics in metaphysics and epistemology discussed in the work 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. 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 One essay (2000words): 40% - Three expository exercises of 600 words each: 30%Examination (1 hour): 30%
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) Descartes and the defence of reason Monash Philosophy department
A collection of readings available from the Monash Bookshop

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