Philosophy

Philosophy may be studied at first, second, third, and fourth year (Honours) levels, and at the postgraduate level.

Philosophy Major

A major in Philosophy comprises 52 credit points of PHIL subjects, of which at least 24 credit points are 300-level PHIL subjects (POL211 may be counted in place of one 200-level PHIL subject, or one of POL314 and POL324 may be counted in place of one 300-level PHIL subject, with the approval of the Convenor of Program). Philosophy studies within the Program divide into two broad streams of study - (1) Ethics, Politics and Law and (2) Knowledge, Mind and Metaphysics. It is recommended to students that they include in their major a spread of subjects across these two streams.

Philosophy Honours

Students who find that their interest in Philosophy is keen, and whose early work shows promise, are strongly recommended to plan a course of study which leaves open the possibility of taking a fourth (Honours) year, either exclusively in Philosophy ('Pure' Honours) or in conjunction with some other discipline ('Combined' Honours). An increasing number of other Programs within the University do permit the possibility of an Honours degree combined with Philosophy, and students interested in combining the study of Philosophy with the study of a discipline offered by another Program to Honours level should contact both Programs at the earliest opportunity, in order to ensure that they undertake a planned course of study which makes this possible at 400-level. Admission to the Honours year (400-level) in Philosophy (whether pure or combined) depends upon the quantity and quality of the student's philosophical studies at the 100-, 200-, and 300- levels, and compliance with the guidelines set out under (a) to (c) below.

Students contemplating progressing to Honours in Philosophy (pure or combined) should discuss their proposed program of study with the Philosophy Honours (400-level) co-ordinator at the beginning of each year of enrolment. (Students contemplating combined Honours should also consult the equivalent person in the other Program at the beginning of each year of enrolment.) Entry to Philosophy Honours is determined by a recommendation from the Head of School , following the student's application to the University and the School for admission to the Honours year. Students may expect to be recommended for admission to 'pure' Philosophy Honours candidature if they:

1. complete the requirements for a major in Philosophy, while including in their major at least one of PHIL284, PHIL301, PHIL390, PHIL232, PHIL283, and at least one of PHIL 262, PHIL322 PHIL288 or PHIL351
2. acquire a basic competence in formal logic (e.g., as certified by at least a pass in PHIL112 or PHIL216), and
3. attain an average of Credit or better in post 100-level PHIL subjects.

Students may expect to be recommended for admission to 'combined' Honours candidature (including Philosophy) if, in addition to meeting the above requirements, they also meet such requirements as are laid down by the other Program in which Honours candidature is proposed.

Notwithstanding these provisions the Convenor of the School of English Literatures, Philosophy and Modern Languages may, in respect of any applicant for entry to Honours, request written work and/or the opinions of the applicant's previous teachers as further evidence of the applicant's capacity to undertake the study of Philosophy at advanced level.

Announcements

Official Program announcements concerning the details of subject requirements (e.g. deadlines for essays, procedures for applying for extensions etc.) and teaching arrangements (e.g. class times, locations, and variations) are made from time to time on the Philosophy Program noticeboard. Students are expected to consult the Program noticeboard regularly (at least once a week), and failure to consult the notice board will not be accepted as an excuse.

Assessment

Requirements vary from subject to subject and are set out in general terms in each of the subject entries. It should be noted that, notwithstanding any of these provisions, the Philosophy Program Assessment Committee may, at its discretion, in respect of any subject in which assessment is by a combination of (a) in-session work and (b) end of session or end of year examinations, attach greater weight to (b) than the aggregate of (a) and (b), should the level of performance under (b) disclose significant evidence of improvement in respect of the subject as a whole.