Questions that Matter
UndergraduateLTU-PHI1QTM2025
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- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- Prior study needed
- Duration
- 12 weeks
- Start dates
- 3 Mar 2025
- Loan available
- HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP available
Questions that Matter
About this subject
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Identify and formulate a text-based and standard form argument.
- Identify a philosophical problem and raise critical questions about its assumptions, merits or weaknesses.
- Identify the cultural context of production of a philosophical text.
- Locate and review an unfamiliar idea or line of argument in the light of your experience or previous knowledge.
- Outline a philosophical claim and write a brief defence based on your critical assessment of a philosophical text.
- Theories of the Good - Socrates and Plato
- Descartes' Meditations - Knowledge, God, and Dualism
- Personal Identity and the Self
- Free Will, Determinism, and Moral Responsibility
- Happiness and the Meaning of Life
In this subject you will be introduced to topics in a range of the major philosophical areas, including epistemology (what can we know?), metaphysics (what is the nature of reality?), ethics, and political philosophy. We will examine some of the central questions that have captivated philosophers throughout millennia, as well as those that scientific advances and cultural changes have only recently brought to our attention. These might include: What is it to be a person, or a citizen? What makes your actions right or wrong? Could a machine think or be conscious? Is it morally acceptable to eat meat, or to design children genetically? Are we defined by our sexuality? What are the proper limits and functions of government or the state? Is there a rational basis for belief in the existence of God? Questions That Matter will focus on exploring the various answers to such questions, and the merits of arguments for views about them.
This is a level 1 subject and includes live sessions with the expectation of student attendance and participation.
- Final take home examination (2 short essays of 900 words each from set list of topics, 1800 words in total). (40%)
- Short written responses to selected tutorial questions (4 written assignments of 500 words each, for a total of 2,000 words). Each of the 4 assignments are worth 15% each and the first task is completed within the first 4 weeks of semester. (60%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
The third university established in Victoria, La Trobe University has a diverse community of more than 38,000 students and staff. Its commitment to excellence in teaching and research prepares students to make a bold and positive impact in today's global community. La Trobe provides Open Universities Australia with its core tenets, entrepreneurship and sustainability.
Learn more about La Trobe University.
Explore La Trobe courses.
- QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:
- 17
- Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:
- 15
Entry requirements
Others
Past La Trobe University students who have previously completed PHI1PPR (Philosophical Problems) are ineligible to enrol in this subject.
Additional requirements
No additional requirements
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
Equivalent full time study load (EFTSL) is one way to calculate your study load. One (1.0) EFTSL is equivalent to a full-time study load for one year.
Find out more information on Commonwealth Loans to understand what this means to your eligibility for financial support.
What to study next?
Once you’ve completed this subject it can be credited towards one of the following courses
UndergraduateLAT-BUS-DEG
UndergraduateLAT-ART-DEG
Bachelor of Psychological Science
UndergraduateLAT-PYS-DEG
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Health Sciences
UndergraduateLAT-AHS-DEG
Bachelor of Information Technology
UndergraduateLAT-TEC-DEG
UndergraduateLAT-HSC-DEG
UndergraduateLAT-CYS-DEG
UndergraduateLAT-ART-DIP
UndergraduateLAT-CRM-DEG
UndergraduateLAT-HSC-DIP
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