Handbook

Philosophy is the study of fundamental ideas about the world we live in. It questions the nature of our world, asks what would constitute a good life in such a world, and asks what could be done to make it better. You will be introduced to areas central to philosophy … For more content click the Read More button below. Metaphysics - the study of what sorts of things exist in the world, and how they are related: for instance, whether there is a mind or soul and if so, how it is related to the body. Epistemology - the study of what constitutes knowledge of the world, and of what methods can be used to obtain it. Ethics and aesthetics - what is the nature of the good and the beautiful, and how may such value judgements be justified. Political philosophy - the principles that underlie the structure of a just society. Philosophy of language - the notions of meaning, truth and linguistic understanding. Philosophy of mind - the relationship between consciousness and physical reality. Logic - the theory of reasoning. Logicians study what makes for a good argument or inference, and try to identify underlying structural features of argumentation. The philosophy major includes a wide range of electives, covering all of the above areas. Philosophy provides skills in reasoning and argument that are applicable in a wide variety of professions, as well as the opportunity to engage in a reflective appraisal of our place in the universe. AvailabilityPhilosophy is listed in A2000 Bachelor of Arts at Caulfield and Clayton as a major and a minor, and in A0502 Diploma of Liberal Arts at Caulfield and Clayton as a major.