Human Nature and the Good Life

Abstract

This subject provides an introduction to a number of major philosophical theories about human nature and the good life. Theories studied stretch from those that originated in ancient civilisations to those articulated during the 20th century. Connections between each theory of human nature and philosophical positions in metaphysics and epistemology … For more content click the Read More button below. Please note this subject is only offered in years ending in 1, 3, 5, 7, 9.

This subject provides an introduction to a number of major philosophical theories about human nature and the good life. Theories studied stretch from those that originated in ancient civilisations to those articulated during the 20th century. Connections between each theory of human nature and philosophical positions in metaphysics and epistemology are explored, and the implications for the good life are then articulated through ethics and political philosophy. Philosophical theories of human nature and the good life pre-date the modern science of psychology and provide a useful perspective on the contemporary interface between philosophy and psychology.

Please note this subject is only offered in years ending in 1, 3, 5, 7, 9.

Syllabus

Some theories of human nature and the good life chosen from the writings of major philosophers and philosophical traditions;The connections between theories of human nature and the good life and philosophical positions in metaphysics and epistemology;The implications of theories of human nature and the good life for ethics and political … For more content click the Read More button below.

Some theories of human nature and the good life chosen from the writings of major philosophers and philosophical traditions;
The connections between theories of human nature and the good life and philosophical positions in metaphysics and epistemology;
The implications of theories of human nature and the good life for ethics and political philosophy; and
The underlying philosophical debates concerning central issues in relation to human nature, for example: the relative significance of nature and nurture; the relative significance of reason and emotion; the relative significance of individual freedom and social determinism; the relative significance of egoism and altruism; and philosophical positions concerning personal identity, the unconscious, and the nature of the human mind.

Assessment items

1. Content Summary

2. Essay

3. Quiz

Handbook

PHL103 - Human Nature and the Good Life

Abstract

Syllabus

Assessment items