6 points, SCA Band 1, 0.125 EFTSL
Undergraduate - Unit
Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.
Faculty
Organisational Unit
Chief examiner(s)
Professor Graham Oppy
(semester 1)
Dr Monima Chadha
(semester 2)
Coordinator(s)
Professor Graham Oppy
(semester 1)
Dr Monima Chadha
(semester 2)
Unit guides
Offered
- Second semester 2019 (On-campus)
- First semester 2019 (Flexible)
- Second semester 2019 (Flexible)
- Second semester 2019 (On-campus)
- Summer semester A 2019 (Flexible)
Prohibitions
ATS1372
Notes
- The unit may be offered as part of the Summer Arts ProgramSummer Arts Program (http://www.monash.edu/students/courses/arts/summer-program.html).
- The unit is offered as part of the Philosophy Flexible Learning programPhilosophy Flexible Learning program (https://arts.monash.edu/philosophical-historical-international-studies/philosophy/philosophy-flexible-learning).
Synopsis
ATS1835 is an introduction to metaphysics. It deals with questions about the nature of time, causation, human freedom, personal identity and the possibility of artificial intelligence. An unusual feature of the subject is that each topic is introduced by way of science fiction stories in which metaphysical issues are explored. So the first topic takes off from a discussion of time travel.
Outcomes
On completing this subject students will have an understanding of some main theories in metaphysics and will have reflected on the impact of recent developments in science and philosophy on our most fundamental views about ourselves and our place in the world. The subject will further develop capacities for critical thought by introducing students to the systematic study of techniques for the evaluation of arguments and reasoning.
Assessment
Within semester assessment: 60% + Exam: 40%
Workload requirements
Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. A unit requires on average three/four hours of scheduled activities per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.
See also Unit timetable information
Off-campus attendance requirements
Off-campus: no timetabled contact hours