PHIL 2014 Thinkers That Changed the World

This is an archived copy of the 2022-2023 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit https://hbook.westernsydney.edu.au.

Credit Points 10

Legacy Code 102571

Coordinator Daniele Fulvi Opens in new window

Description This subject involves detailed study of a thinker whose work has had a significant influence on how we understand the world. The subject will focus on the thinker's important primary texts, and any other writings that aid an understanding of their contribution to philosophical tradition, ethics, politics, and culture in general. Students will study how the philosopher's ideas have been original, and influenced others to see the world and themselves in new ways. A different philosopher will be the focus of study each year. Thinkers that may be studied in depth include Plato, Aristotle, Hume, Locke, Spinoza, Kant, Kierkegaard, Hegel, Marx, Nietzsche, Arendt, Foucault, Derrida and Girard.

School Humanities & Comm Arts

Discipline Philosophy

Student Contribution Band HECS Band 4 10cp

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Level Undergraduate Level 2 subject

Equivalent Subjects PHIL 2006 - Key Philosophers PHIL 2005 - Case Studies in Philosophy Thinker

Restrictions

Successful completion of 40 credit points of study in currently enrolled program.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:

Identify the major philosophical arguments in the texts studied.
Discuss the philosophical reasoning employed
Outline the importance of the philosopher and texts to philosophical tradition
Evaluate the major achievements and any significant problems generated from the philosopher's contributions
Identify relevant cultural and social contexts of the philosopher and texts
Compose sound philosophical argument to undergraduate standard

Subject Content

Concentrated engagement with a Western Philosophical thinker
Close reading of philosophical texts by a single philosopher
Study of relevance of the philosopher to philosophical tradition, culture, society
Critical study of achievements and/or problems of their philosophical position
Situating the philosopher in relevant cultural and social contexts

Assessment

The following table summarises the standard assessment tasks for this subject. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated, where there is a difference your Learning Guide takes precedence.