Course coordinator
Associate Professor Joel Katzav
Office Hour: Wednesdays, 11:00-12:00.
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Historical & Philosophical Inq
This course is about knowledge and reality. We will look at questions such as: Is anything known? Can we know anything independently of sense perception? Can we perceive mind-independent objects? Is there a mind-independent world? What are people? What is existence? What is causation? Questions will be examined from the perspectives of a variety of traditions, e.g., Greek and Hellenistic philosophy, modern philosophy, classical Indian philosophy, idealism, pragmatism, analytic philosophy and European philosophy.
Course requirements
Assumed background
Students are assumed to be familiar with basic techniques of philosophical analysis and argument as developed, for example, in PHIL1002ﾠor PHIL1110 (Introductory Philosophy), or comparable introductory courses.
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
PD200, PHIL7200
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Tutor
Mr Mitchell Gilligan
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Aims and outcomes
This course aims to:
(a)ﾠanalyse and evaluate some of the most important and interesting theses, both classical and contemporary, in epistemology and metaphysics; and
(b) examine the interplay of metaphysics and epistemology in the history of philosophy.
The course will enable participants to:
i. Recognise central issues in metaphysics and epistemology.
ii. Understand the way epistemological arguments have been employed to support metaphysical theses, (and vice-versa).
iii. Apply these notions to the comprehensions of philosophical texts.
iv. Recognise major trends in metaphysics and epistemology.
v. Discuss philosophical papers on the subject.
vi. Suggest original arguments or original perspectives concerning the topics discussed during the course.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Better appreciate fundamental issues in metaphysics and epistemology
LO2.
Analyse problems and communicate with improved precision and clarity
LO3.
Think critically, systemically, independently and creatively in analysing complex problems
LO4.
Compare and assess opposing philosophical theses and assumptions
LO5.
Better understand human experience and its relationship to the world
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essay/ Critique | Knowledge Essay | 40% |
14/04/2025 2:00 pm |
| Participation/ Student contribution | Tutorial Participation | 15% 1.5 points for preparation and participation in each tutorial |
with the exception of weeks 3 and 11 4/03/2025 - 27/05/2025 |
| Essay/ Critique | Metaphysics Essay | 45% |
9/06/2025 2:00 pm |
Assessment details
Knowledge Essay
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique
- Weight
- 40%
- Due date
14/04/2025 2:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
Write 1500-1800 words on one topic from the epistemology part of the course. Topics will be suggested but you are encouraged to research and write on a question that particularly interests you and that you have discussed with the lecturer. See the assignment sheet in blackboard.
-Whilst AI use is not prohibited, we strongly recommend that it not be used to write essays as the essay task will require students to critically engage in specific contexts for which AI provides only limited support and guidance. Where AI is used, its use should be acknowledged in the same way as one would acknowledge the use of an article or encyclopedia entry.
A failure to reference generative AI use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
AI-like essays will score poorly (irrespective of whether the work is generated with the help of AI) as such work does not reflect reasoning and understanding at the level required of the essay task.
-A word count that is within ±10% of the set length (word limit) is acceptable. Word count does not include footnotes; however, discursive footnotes are included in the word count. A word count that is outside these 10% will receive a proportionate penalty and will be graded against the grading criteria.
Submission guidelines
Submit online to Turnitin via Blackboard site
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Tutorial Participation
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Participation/ Student contribution
- Weight
- 15% 1.5 points for preparation and participation in each tutorial
- Due date
with the exception of weeks 3 and 11 4/03/2025 - 27/05/2025
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
Marks credited for weekly contributions to a community of philosophical inquiry in 10 tutorials. Tutorials run on weeks 2-13 excluding weeks 3 and 11.
This assessment task is to be completed in person. The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Talk to me if you cannot participate in a tutorial
Metaphysics Essay
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique
- Weight
- 45%
- Due date
9/06/2025 2:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
Write 1800-2000 words on one topic from the metaphysics part of the course. Topics will be suggested but you are encouraged to research and write on a question that particularly interests you and that you hsve discussed with the lecturer. See the assignment sheet in blackboard.
-Whilst AI use is not prohibited, we strongly recommend that it not be used to write essays as the essay task will require students to critically engage in specific contexts for which AI provides only limited support and guidance. Where AI is used, its use should be acknowledged in the same way as one would acknowledge the use of an article or encyclopedia entry.
A failure to reference generative AI use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
AI-like essays will score poorly (irrespective of whether the work is generated with the help of AI) as such work does not reflect reasoning and understanding at the level required of the essay task.
-A word count that is within ±10% of the set length (word limit) is acceptable. Word count does not include footnotes; however, discursive footnotes are included in the word count. A word count that is outside these 10% will receive a proportionate penalty and will be graded against the grading criteria.
Submission guidelines
Submit online to Turnitin via Blackboard site
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0 - 24 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Grade 1, Low Fail (0-24%), is generally awarded in cases where some assessment has been submitted, but it is of wholly unsatisfactory standard or quantity. In work submitted, however, there is no demonstrated evidence of understanding of the concepts of the field of study or basic requirements of the course. |
| 2 (Fail) | 25 - 44 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Grade 2, Fail (25-44%), is generally awarded to work that exhibits deficiencies in understanding and applying the fundamental concepts of the course and field of study, and as such, does not satisfy the basic requirements of the course. Often, one or more major items of assessment will not have been completed. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: Grade 3, Marginal Fail (45-49%), is generally awarded if a student has submitted work that attempts to meet the knowledge and skill requirements of the course, but is only able to demonstrate a superficial understanding of the fundamental concepts of the course. Students will usually have attempted all major pieces of assessment and show that they have an identifiable, emerging ability to apply basic knowledge and skills. |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Grade 4, Pass (50-64%), is generally awarded where all major items of assessment have been submitted. An adequate knowledge of the fundamental concepts of the course and field of study should be demonstrated and a functional skill level achieved. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Grade 5, Credit (65-74%), is generally awarded where all items of assessment have been completed and a substantial understanding of the fundamental concepts of the course and field of study have been demonstrated. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Grade 6, Distinction (75-84%), is generally awarded where all items of assessment have been completed and substantial knowledge of the deeper and more complex aspects of the course and field of study have been demonstrated. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Grade 7, High Distinction (85-100%), is generally awarded where all items of assessment have been completed and there is evidence that the deeper and more complex aspects of the course and field of study have been mastered. |
Additional course grading information
ﾠ
Your essay will be assessed according to the following criteria:
1. Ability to define the topic or philosophical issue under debate. (Topic definition.)
2. Ability to construct a well-reasoned argument for a certain point of view. (Argument and Structure.)
3. Depth and breadth of understanding of the various positions in a philosophical debate. (Scope and Depth of Treatment)
4. Insight and/or originality in interpreting texts or constructing a point of view or argument. (Originality)
5. Capacity to produce a polished, well-written and appropriately referenced essay. (Presentation)
To achieve a grade of 7 (High Distinction, 85-100%), your essay should reflect an exceptional level of achievement. It should demonstrate that you have undertaken extensive, high-level research, that you are able to form a very rigorous, well-organised argument, and that your discussion is original and creative. It should also demonstrate that you are able to evaluate and organise data and/or evidence in a critical manner and that you have a sophisticated and insightful understanding of problems and issues. Your essay will be very well written, clear and concise, pay strict attention to discipline conventions and have minimal, if any errors in referencing, expression, grammar, spelling and punctuation: This grade is assigned for a total (sum of all the assessment components) in the range 85-100%. See assessment components for specific grading criteria.
To achieve a grade of 6 (Distinction, 75-84%), your essay should reflect an advanced level of achievement. It should demonstrate that you have undertaken wide research, that you are able to form a rigorous, well-organised argument, and that your discussion is coherent and convincing. It should also demonstrate that you are able to evaluate data and/or evidence in a perceptive manner, and that your understanding of problems and issues is perceptive and insightful. Your essay will be well written, clear and concise, follow discipline conventions and have few errors in referencing, expression, grammar, spelling and punctuation: This grade is assigned for a total (sum of all the assessment components) in the range 75-84%. See assessment components for specific grading criteria.
To achieve a grade of 5 (Credit, 65 – 74%) your essay should reflect a proficient level of achievement. It should demonstrate that you have undertaken the expected level of research, that you are able to develop or adapt convincing arguments and justify them adequately, that you are able to evaluate data and/or evidence in a proficient manner, and that you have a good understanding of problems and issues. The presentation and referencing of your essay will largely follow discipline conventions, perhaps have some errors in grammar, spelling and punctuation, and demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively: This grade is assigned for a total (sum of all the assessment components) in the range 65-74%. See assessment components for specific grading criteria.
To achieve a grade of 4 (Pass, 50 – 64%) your essay should reflect functional achievement. It should demonstrate that you are able to apply fundamental concepts and skills, that you have undertaken a basic level of research and have the basic ability to evaluate data and/or evidence, to identify problems and issues, to offer insights and to develop routine arguments. Your organisation, writing, referencing, spelling and grammar will be adequate and use some of the discipline conventions to communicate appropriately: This grade is assigned for a total (sum of all the assessment components) in the range 50-64%. See assessment components for specific grading criteria.
To achieve a grade of 3 (Marginal Fail, 45 – 49%), your essay should reflect developing levels of achievement. It should demonstrate that you have a superficial knowledge of fundamental concepts and skills, that you have undertaken a basic level of research, made some attempt to evaluate data and/or evidence, to identify problems and issues, and to offer insights. Your arguments, while underdeveloped, show your emerging ability to apply knowledge and skills. Your organisation, writing, spelling and grammar will be adequate, perhaps poor, and your referencing and use of discipline conventions poor/and or inconsistent. Alternatively, your essay may, in part, be well written and suggest human engagement and achievement but (whether actually developed with the help of AI or not) will (a) mostly exhibit the stereotypical and/or superficial understanding characteristic of generative AI text and/or (b) mostly fail, in a manner characteristic of generative AI text, to develop a sustained (multi-layered) argument: This grade is assigned for a total (sum of all the assessment components) in the range 45-49%. See assessment components for specific grading criteria.
To achieve a grade of 2 (Fail, 25-44%) your essay will reflect deficiencies in skill acquisition and in your understanding of the fundamental concepts of the course. It will demonstrate that you have not undertaken adequate research, that you are unable to evaluate data and/or evidence, to identify problems and issues, or to offer insights adequately. Your arguments will be unsupported and/or inappropriate, your organisation and writing will be poor and/or inappropriate and referencing and use of discipline conventions poor/and or inconsistent. Alternatively, your essay may suggest developing or higher achievement but (whether actually developed with the help of AI or not) will (a) exhibit the stereotypical and/or superficial understanding that is characteristic of generative AI text and/or (b) may fail to develop, in a way that is characteristic of generative AI text, a sustained (multi-layered) argument: This grade is assigned for a total (sum of all the assessment components) in the range 25-44%. See assessment components for specific grading criteria.
To achieve a grade of 1 (Low Fail, 0-24%), your essay will reflect minimal evidence of achievement, and exhibit deficiencies in skill acquisition and in your understanding of the fundamental concepts of the course. It will demonstrate that you have not undertaken adequate research, that you are unable to evaluate data and/or evidence, to identify problems and issues, and/or to offer insights adequately. Your arguments will be unsupported and/or inappropriate, your organisation and writing will be poor and/or inappropriate, and referencing and use of discipline conventions poor/and or inconsistent: This grade is assigned for a total (sum of all the assessment components) in the range 1-24%. See assessment components for specific grading criteria.
Grade X: No assessable work received.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
- Failure to submit all major assessment items (those worth 15% and above) will result in a maximum grade of 2 (Fail).
- By submitting work through Turnitin you are deemed to have accepted the following declaration:‘I certify that this assignment is my own work and has not been submitted, either previously or concurrently, in whole or in part, to this University or any other educational institution, for marking or assessment’.
- All students must ensure that they receive their Turnitin receipt on every submission of assessment items. YOU MUST CHECK THAT THE RECEIPT CONFIRMS THAT SUBMISSION HAS BEEN SUCCESSFUL.
- A valid Turnitin receipt will be the only evidence accepted if assessments are missing.ﾠWithout evidence, the assessment will receive the standard late penalty, or after 7 calendar days, will receive zero. In the case of a Blackboard outage, please contact the Course Coordinator as soon as possible so that they can confirm the outage with ITS.
- It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that they are submitting assessment items on a device that is capable of the task, and that appropriate internet bandwidth and speed is available. If you cannot be sure that your device or internet will enable you to complete or submit an assessment task, you must come onto campus and use one of the University Computers in the Library or Computer Labs.
- Plagiarism, and asking or paying someone else to do your work is cheating and constitutes academic misconduct. See ECP Section 6.1
- Feedback against the assessment criteria in the form of comments on your script will be provided through Turnitin or on your script directly.
- For information on assessment remarks see: https://my.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/manage-my-program/exams-and-assessment/querying-result
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
UQ Library "How To" Guides
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 (24 Feb - 02 Mar) |
Lecture |
Introduction Lecture, discussion and in-class activities introducing students to knowledge (epistemology) and reality (metaphysics). Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Multiple weeks From Week 2 To Week 13 |
Tutorial |
Tutorials Weekly tutorial on set reading. Weeks 1-12 with the exception of week 10. Details of weekly reading available on BB. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 2 (03 Mar - 09 Mar) |
Lecture |
Scepticism Lecture, discussion and in-class activities relating to scepticism Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 4 (17 Mar - 23 Mar) |
Lecture |
Perception Lecture, discussion and in-class activities relating to perception Reading/Ref: Perception reading Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 5 (24 Mar - 30 Mar) |
Lecture |
The problem of induction Lecture, discussion and in-class activities relating to the problem of induction. Reading/Ref: Induction. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 6 (31 Mar - 06 Apr) |
Lecture |
A priori knowledge Lecture, discussion and in-class activities relating to a priori knowledge. Reading/Ref: A priori knowledge Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 7 (07 Apr - 13 Apr) |
Lecture |
Naturalised Epistemology Lecture, discussion and in-class activities relating to naturalized epistemology. Reading/Ref: Naturalised Epistemology Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 8 (14 Apr - 20 Apr) |
Lecture |
Ontological Idealism Lecture, discussion and in-class activities relating to ontological idealism. Reading/Ref: Ontological Idealism Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 9 (28 Apr - 04 May) |
Lecture |
Personal Identity Lecture, discussion and in-class activities relating to personal identity. Reading/Ref: Personal Identity Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 10 (05 May - 11 May) |
Lecture |
The Atman Debate Lecture, discussion and in-class activities relating to the Ᾱtman debate. Reading/Ref: the Ᾱtman debate Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 11 (12 May - 18 May) |
Lecture |
Existence Lecture, discussion and in-class activities relating to the nature of existence. Reading/Ref: Existence. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 12 (19 May - 25 May) |
Lecture |
Causation Lecture, discussion and in-class activities relating to the nature of causation. Reading/Ref: Causation. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 13 (26 May - 01 Jun) |
Lecture |
Conclusion Lecture, discussion and in-class activities relating to the end of the course. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.