Philosophy
Philosophy is a fundamental discipline for all branches of knowledge. Units of study at Campion College are designed to bring to fruition the root meaning of philosophy – namely, the love of wisdom. In an age of specialised knowledge and the separation of disciplines, philosophy at Campion affirms the need for intellectual order and the systematisation and synthesis of knowledge. It provides a common ground for various studies and a basis for intelligible conversation across different fields.
The aim of the Campion’s program is to help students to integrate their understanding and foster the habits of clear thinking and communication relevant to any field of endeavour. Introductory philosophy units equip students with a rigorous technical apparatus of concepts from Epistemology, Metaphysics and Logic, in the context of debates about such topics as Cartesian scepticism, the representative theory of perception, the nature of universals, substance and accident in the philosophy of Aristotle, the freedom of the will, and the existence of God. Later units build on this background. They include Moral Philosophy, Social and Political Philosophy, and the Philosophy of Language, as well as units concerning the distinct perspectives developed during particular eras of Western history.
Studying Philosophy at Campion
All students enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts (3-years) complete PHI101, PHI102, PHI201 and PHI202 as part of Campion’s core curriculum. Students who wish to graduate with a major in philosophy should choose PHI301, PHI302, PHI303 and PHI304 in third year, thus completing eight philosophy units overall to satisfy the requirement for a major.
Individuals who do not wish to enrol in a full course may enrol in single units as a non-award (for academic credit) or auditing student.
Philosophy units on offer
PHI101: Introduction to Philosophy
This unit provides an introduction to philosophy including exploration of epistemology, logic and the competing theories of truth and objectivity.
PHI102: Metaphysics
This unit explores the nature of our world and the arguments which attempt to explain why reality has the features it has.
PHI202: Moral Philosophy
This unit deals with a wide variety of approaches including natural law ethics, virtue ethics, Kantianism, and utilitarianism.
PHI204: Political Philosophy
This unit surveys the many of the great thinkers who have contributed to the field of political philosophy.
PHI301: Modern Philosophy
This unit will focus on the development of philosophy since the 17th century, including ideas from Descartes, Locke, Berkeley, Hume and Kant.
PHI302: Social and Political Philosophy
This unit introduces students to social contract theory, majoritarianism, natural law, the nature of authority and the role of religion in politics.
PHI303: Philosophy of Language
This unit will develop an understanding of the nature and consequences of the so-called ‘linguistic turn’ of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
PHI304: Twentieth Century Analytic Philosophy
This unit deals with two major sub-disciplines within analytic philosophy: the philosophy of science and the philosophy of mind.
PHI305: Intensive Study of a Text in Classical Philosophy
This unit involves intensive study of a classical text, paying careful attention to both its philosophical content and literary character.
PHI306: Intensive Study of a Text in Modern Philosophy
This unit involves intensive study of a modern text, paying careful attention to both its philosophical content and literary character.