Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2025 (28/07/2025 - 22/11/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Historical & Philosophical Inq
This course traces the rise of modern philosophy as a reaction to dramatic changes in scientific thinking in the seventeenth century. It examines three major points of intersection between science and philosophy in the period in debates about (1) the ontology of nature; (2) causation; and (3) cognitive psychology. Philosophers examined include Descartes, Princess Elisabeth of Bohemia, Spinoza, Malebranche, Margaret Cavendish, Ann Conway, Ralph Cudworth, Leibniz, Hobbes, Locke, Berkeley and Hume.
Many of the contemporary problems in philosophy and cognate fields have their roots in debates that began in the seventeenth century. What is the nature of matter? Is causation based on impetus? Is the unification of distinct sciences, like astronomy and physics, possible?ﾠWhat makes something alive? What does rational agency consist in? What role do the emotions play in our moral psychology and psychopathology?ﾠWhat are the origins of the State and what legitimacy does it have to coerce human activity? Does the State have a role to play in promoting the positive liberty of citizens, or should it only protect their negative liberties?ﾠ
With the demise of the dominant Aristotelian philosophy, questions such as these took on a new significance and demanded new ways of answering them. The search for cogent answers to these question has not stopped with the seventeenth century but continues today. Students in this course will, therefore, have an opportunity to understand the historical and philosophical foundations of some of the central debates of contemporary philosophy.ﾠ
The aims of this course are three: (1) to build students' knowledge of the central movements in the history of philosophy, (2) to demonstrateﾠthe continued relevance of these movements to the contemporary debates, andﾠ(3) to assist students in developing advancedﾠskills in argumentation.
Course requirements
Assumed background
Students who have not taken Philosophy before are welcome to join this course. Students who would like to familiarise themselves with some of the background to the topics discussed in this course and basic critical thinkingﾠskills might like to peruse META101x: Philosophy and Critical Thinking, a free course available through edx.org. A free online resource for texts is https://www.earlymoderntexts.com/. Please also consult the Library Guide for this course atﾠhttps://guides.library.uq.edu.au/modernphilosophy.
Recommended prerequisites
We recommend completing the following courses before enrolling in this one:
PHIL1002
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
PHIL3611
Course staff
Course coordinator
Lecturer
Tutor
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Please note: Attendance at lectures and tutorials for an in person course is compulsory according to policy, but note that assessment will be completed duringﾠtutorials so attendance in tutorials is not just compulsory but prudent.ﾠ
Aims and outcomes
This course is the ultimate Bluffer's Guide to Philosophy, a course designed to ground a student's knowledge of philosophy in an understanding of the major shifts in philosophical thinking that occurred in the 17th century and serve as the origins of many contemporary philosophical debates. It builds on knowledge and skills developed in introductory philosophy courses: skills in philosophical analysis, argumentation and clarity of expression. Students will be able to expand on their knowledge of the contours of philosophical debates, working with more complex arguments and texts, and develop advanced argumentation and presentation skills.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Reflect and report on the philosophical and historical origins of central debates in philosophy.
LO2.
Demonstrate advanced skills of effective thinking and communication.
LO3.
Conduct independent philosophical research and inquiry.
LO4.
Identify, analyse and evaluate complex arguments or points of view.
LO5.
Develop an appreciation of diverse reasoned perspectives and engage in collaborative reasoning.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Participation/ Student contribution, Tutorial/ Problem Set |
Tutorial Participation and Exercises
|
30% |
Students' tutorial work must be handed in at the end of each tutorial to receive a grade. |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation |
Nutshell Argument Map
|
20% |
21/08/2025 2:00 pm |
| Notebook/ Logbook |
Research design task
|
10% |
9/10/2025 2:00 pm |
| Presentation, Poster |
Poster
|
40% |
30/10/2025 2:00 pm |
Assessment details
Tutorial Participation and Exercises
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance, Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia
- Category
- Participation/ Student contribution, Tutorial/ Problem Set
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
Students' tutorial work must be handed in at the end of each tutorial to receive a grade.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L04, L05
Task description
Tutorial work involves two components: Tutorial participation and in-class activities. (Students with an accommodation must contact the course coordinator to arrange alternatives.) Tutorials run for 10 weeks (2-6 and 8-12). Marks out of 15% will be awarded in weeks 7 and 13. Each tutorial is worth 3%. Week 13 tutorial slots may be needed for the poster event depending on the time.
Tutorial work enables steady development of skills in philosophical analysis and critical thinking. A Community of Inquiry approach is taken where students work together to solve problems. Students will be judged on their ability to work collaboratively to progress arguments, generate critical questions and prompts, and discuss competing interpretations and points of view.
Tutorials are mandatory and attendance will be taken. Marks are not awarded for attendance but for contributions to collective discussion and completion of set tasks. Alternative or make-up work will be assigned to students who miss a tutorial due to medical or other legitimate reasons.
During tutorials, students are expected to:
1. Demonstrate evidence of comprehension of the texts assigned for reading each week through preparation and participation in the tutorial. Required readings will be marked 'required' and made available through the Library.
2. Come to class with work prepared as assigned the week before each tutorial. This course integrates the use of Generative AI as part of the tutorial program.
3. Conduct in-class analyses of short passages.
Submission guidelines
Submit to instructor at the end of the tutorial.
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Late submission
A penalty of 1 grade for each 24 hour period from time submission is due will apply for up to 7 days. After 7 days you will receive a mark of 0.
Nutshell Argument Map
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
21/08/2025 2:00 pm
- Other conditions
- Student specific.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
In the Nutshell assignment (20%; 600 words) students are asked to contextualise, analyse, explain, and evaluate an argument contained in the text provided. Students will identify the structure of the argument (the relationship between premises and conclusion) in an argument map including the base argument and supporting reasons or hidden assumptions. Students will append a short statement contextualising the argument (i.e., situating it against an opposing view) and a short evaluation (identifying one major weakness or flaw in the argument). These are essential skills in the history of philosophy.
Criteria & Marking:
Your nutshell assignments will be assessed according to the following criteria:
1. Ability to define the topic or philosophical issue under debate. (Topic definition.)
2. Ability to identify and analyse the structure of an argument for a certain conclusion. (Argument and Structure.)
3. Depth and breadth of understanding of the point at issue. (Scope and Depth of Treatment)
4. Insight and/or originality in analysing or argument. (Originality)
5. Capacity to produce a polished, well-written analysis and/or evaluation. (Presentation)
Submission guidelines
Submit to Turnitin.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
All extensions require permission before the due date. For information about procedures and forms go to https://my.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/manage-my-program/exams-and-assessment/applying-assessment-extension.
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.
Research design task
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Notebook/ Logbook
- Weight
- 10%
- Due date
9/10/2025 2:00 pm
- Other conditions
- Student specific.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
Select ONE topic from the Poster Task sheet available on Blackboard.
Construct a research design by completing the following 5 tasks (500 words total):
1. Task analysis: Explain in your own words what cognitive tasks you are being asked to perform in your poster in relation to your research topic. (75 words)
2. Define the philosophical problem and key terms. (125 words)
3. Generate a research focus. The primary research questions are provided in the Poster Task Sheet. For your research focus, specify what particular argument/s or aspect/s of the problem you are interested in investigating. (100 words)
4. Locate 3 credible sources reflecting different sides of the debate. Use the Library catalogue or Google Scholar to find sources. Read the articles to ensure relevance and significance. Cite the articles and explain why you think each passes the CRAAP test. (3 x 50 words per entry (excluding the citation)=150)
5. Design a strong thesis statement. (50 words)
Note on AI:
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI and MT tools.
Submission guidelines
Submit to Turnitin.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
All extensions require permission before the due date. For information about procedures and forms go to https://my.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/manage-my-program/exams-and-assessment/applying-assessment-extension.
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.
Poster
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Oral, Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia
- Category
- Presentation, Poster
- Weight
- 40%
- Due date
30/10/2025 2:00 pm
- Other conditions
- Student specific.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
This is a two part assignment
Part A: Poster (30%)
Students are to create a poster on one of the assigned topics. See Poster Task Sheet and Poster Design Instructions on Blackboard.
Word limit is 1500 words (excluding bibliography). Students are expected to demonstrate a familiarity with the primary and secondary literature on the topic and to take a stand on the conceptual or textual problems being addressed. Students prepare an argument map in advance and the poster content must be aligned to the argument map.
Students must seek approval for their choice of sources from their tutor as part of the research design task.
The word limit is a hard limit. There is no 10% leeway, so don't ask. For an A0 poster, use at least Arial 24 pt type for text and 32 pt for title and ensure the poster is legible.
Due date: 30/10/2025 at 13:00pm.
REQUIREMENTS:
- Posters must represent at least two distinct views from early modern philosophy on the philosophical problem under discussion.
- Students must consult multiple sources (including primary and secondary sources) and incorporate them effectively either to raise problems for the views under discussion or as suggesting possible solutions. Ideas from at least 3 credible and significant secondary sources as well as the primary sources should be incorporated. Do not list sources in your bibliography that you do not cite in the body of your assignment.
- Include at least 3 images or infographics, including an argument map of the argument under analysis and counterargument.
- Students must defend a thesis and highlight the thesis statement in the poster.
- State your conclusions clearly and signpost to the reader the structural components in the arguments (using indicator words to mark premises and conclusions).
- Posters should exhibit a high standard of referencing used consistently (APA), and include page numbers for any attributions of ideas and/or quotes.
Print out your poster. Posters will be mounted on the wall of the room for viewing by an expert panel. Each student will be assessed by two of four panel members.
Part B: Pitch event (10%)
Students verbally report to the panel members and other students on the findings of their research and the central argument of their poster in 3 minutes. This is followed by a short question period (2 minutes). All students must be prepared to present by 30/11/2025 at 13:00. The order of presentation will be based on a random selection of student names. The poster session runs during the tutorials and the lecture time if needed.
Students should explain the philosophical problem they are discussing; the competing positions from the history of philosophy they examined in their research; and their own reasoned position on the subject matter.
Bear in mind that in 3 minutes you can only speak 300 words!
All assessment must comply with academic misconduct and integrity policies. It is mandatory for all students to complete two academic and misconduct integrity modules to receive a grade in courses (including PHIL2013) offered through the School of Historical and Philosophical Inquiry. If you have not completed these modules, please do so through Academic Integrity Modules (AIM).
Criteria:
Your poster 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 based on a deep understanding of early modern texts. (Scope and Depth of Treatment)
4. Insight and/or originality in interpreting early modern texts or constructing a point of view or argument. (Originality)
5. Capacity to produce a polished, well-written and appropriately referenced poster and persuasively present an original position on the subject matter. (Presentation)
See Philosophy Criteria Rubric attached under 'Course Files' for more information about the grading criteria and standards.
Advice relating to the use of generative AI:
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. While students may use AI technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance.
Submission guidelines
Submit to Turnitin and submit physical copy. Present in class.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
All extensions require permission before the due date. For information about procedures and forms go to https://my.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/manage-my-program/exams-and-assessment/applying-assessment-extension.
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 | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: <p>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.</p> |
| 2 (Fail) |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: <p>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.</p> |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: <p>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.</p> |
| 4 (Pass) |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: <p>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.</p> |
| 5 (Credit) |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: <p>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.</p> |
| 6 (Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: <p>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.</p> |
| 7 (High Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: <p>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.</p> |
Additional course grading information
See Philosophy Criteria Rubric attached under 'Course Files' for more information about the grading criteria and standards.
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.
Without evidence, the assessment will receive the standard late penalty, or after ten 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
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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
Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
See the Library Guide on the course website under 'Library Links.'ﾠLibrary resources for philosophy can be accessed here: https://guides.library.uq.edu.au/philosophy
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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 (28 Jul - 03 Aug) |
Seminar |
Philosophy in transition This seminar focuses on the crucial shifts in thinking that mark the distinction between the philosophies of antiquity and the Middle Ages and the Early Modern period, in particular, the departure from the form/matter and nature/art distinctions of Aristotelianism. Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04, L05 |
Multiple weeks From Week 2 To Week 12 |
Tutorial |
10 x 1hr per week Tutorials + 1 tutorial for pitch event Weekly tutorial participation for 10 weeks runs in weeks 2-6 and 8-12. Tutorial time in week 13 will be used for poster pitch sessions. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 2 (04 Aug - 10 Aug) |
Seminar |
Metaphysical Themes The philosophers of the 17th and 18th century developed distinctive metaphysical ideas about the building blocks of reality--substances; modes; souls; ideas--and ideas about how things causally interact if they do at all. This week we look at the major metaphysical theories on offer and the reasons behind them. Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 3 (11 Aug - 17 Aug) |
Seminar |
Causation and Agency An examination of different early modern approaches to natural and divine causation and the implications for human agency. Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04, L05 |
Multiple weeks From Week 4 To Week 5 |
Seminar |
Life An examination of the distinction between living and non-living things under the shift to a mechanical philosophy, as well as debates about functions, systems, and animal consciousness and thought. Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 5 (25 Aug - 31 Aug) |
Seminar |
Thinking Matter An examination of post-Cartesian debates about the possibility of thinking matter and implications for the nature of the human being. Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 6 (01 Sep - 07 Sep) |
Seminar |
The Philosophy of Margaret Cavendish I Special Guest Lecturer: Professor Susan James, Kings College, London. Professor James will present two lectures on the philosophy of the 17th century philosopher and novelist, Margaret Cavendish, Duchess of Newcastle. Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 7 (08 Sep - 14 Sep) |
Seminar |
The Philosophy of Margaret Cavendish II This is the second of Professor Susan James' lectures on the philosophy of Margaret Cavendish. Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04, L05 |
Multiple weeks From Week 8 To Week 10 |
Seminar |
Human nature and the passions These seminars consider debates in the early modern period about the nature and function of the passions and their role in constituting the union of mind and body. Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04, L05 |
Multiple weeks From Week 9 To Week 12 |
Seminar |
Moral psychology This seminar focuses on how thinkers in the early modern period developed ethical theories from their natural philosophical perspectives on the nature and function of the passions. Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 10 (06 Oct - 12 Oct) |
Seminar |
Ethics and politics This seminar explores the development of moral and political psychologies and their influence on ethical and political theorising in the period. Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 11 (13 Oct - 19 Oct) |
Seminar |
Politics This seminar explores the development of political theorising about the relationship between individuals and the state in the early modern period. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 12 (20 Oct - 26 Oct) |
Seminar |
Reception This seminar considers the influence of early modern debates on current debates in moral and political philosophy. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 13 (27 Oct - 02 Nov) |
Seminar |
Poster and Pitch event Students present their posters to an expert panel during lecture hours and tutorial times if necessary. 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 for Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.