Social and Existential Questions

• • A week-by-week guide to the topics you will explore in this subject will be provided in your study materials.

You must have successfully completed the following subject(s) before starting this subject:

• MAQ-PHIX1031-The Philosophy of Human Nature

Others

NCCW (pre-2020 units) PHIL352, PHL352 Pre-requisite 130cp at 1000 level or above NCCW (2020 and onwards) PHIL3052 The Philosophy of Race and Identity

Additional requirements

No additional requirements

This unit brings a philosophical lens to some of the great social and existential challenges of our times. We examine some of the key sources of existential meaning in human life, such as: personal freedom, identity, work, and a sense of belonging. We look at some of the prevailing ways in which these sources are currently threatened in contemporary society. The unit also considers some concrete ethical and political options for dealing with these challenges. Some examples of questions that may be explored in the unit include: What is the meaning we look for in our lives? Is spiritual belief an important or even a necessary element of human life? How does work fit in our idea of a good life? How can we live well together given our different gender, cultural and ethnic identities?

• Online tutorial participation (20%)
• Online quizzes (20%)
• Philosophical Essay (40%)
• Reflective tasks (20%)

For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).