ATS2338 · Philosophy of the social world

Overview

We don't live our lives as isolated individuals. Instead, we exist as part of many overlapping social groups. These groups themselves come in many kinds: families, corporations, classes, nationalities, genders, and many more. These groups deeply shape our opportunities and the paths we take in life. They shape how we interact with others, and how others interact with us. Social philosophy involves philosophical inquiry into these phenomena, and so includes areas of philosophy such as, for example, social ontology, feminist philosophy, critical race theory, and philosophy of disability. Some of the questions you will explore in this unit concern what, if anything, makes these groups the groups that they are; what obligations, if any, are held by groups themselves; what the effects are of being a member of various groups, or of being seen as a member; and what responsibilities we find ourselves with as a result of living in a society so shaped by social categories.

Areas of study: Philosophy

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.

Within semester assessment: 100%

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

The Handbook lists no prerequisite, corequisite or prohibition for this unit.

Learning outcomes

1. explain and apply key concepts, arguments, and principles in social philosophy, both orally and in writing;
2. summarise and interpret key texts in social philosophy;
3. analyse and evaluate detailed philosophical arguments in the field of social philosophy;
4. apply research and academic communication skills that are relevant to the discipline of philosophy;
5. collaborate effectively with peers in class and project work.

Workload

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. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.