PHIL 2111 - Pragmatism and Value Theory

North Terrace Campus - Semester 2 - 2014

Reasons for action can be represented in terms of principles and states of mind. The latter are conceived for the purposes of philosophical theory in terms of the elements of background experience, such as associations, intimations, feelings and emotions. However, the role of imaginative imagery as internalised through cultural artefacts such as popular media including television, video games and internet, has been underplayed. Some recent developments in value theory provide a framework for understanding the role of imagery in the ethical outlook that shapes our action and attitudes, and in turn, the assumptions embedded in our moral judgments. Understanding this aspect of moral judgment, is relevant to understanding the nature of moral disagreement. The developments in recent philosophical theory of relevance to this topic can be brought under the banner of pragmatism. We will begin with an outline of the early American pragmatists, William James, Charles Peirce and John Dewey (which will involve considering their adoption of key aspects of the epistemological frameworks of Kant and Hegel) before considering the ethical theories of contemporary neo-pragmatists such as Jurgen Habermas, Hilary Putnam and Stanley Cavell. In essay writing, students will be able to use examples from popular media or the arts to demonstrate the arguments of Habermas, Putnam and Cavell concerning the grounds of normative justification.

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Course Details

Course Code	PHIL 2111
Course	Pragmatism and Value Theory
Coordinating Unit	Philosophy
Term	Semester 2
Level	Undergraduate
Location/s	North Terrace Campus
Units	3
Contact	3 hours per week
Prerequisites	12 units of level I HUMSS courses including minimum of 3 units of Level 1 PHIL courses
Assessment	2,000 word essay (40%), 2,500 word essay (60%)

Course Staff

Course Coordinator: Mr Greg O'Hair

Course Timetable

The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

Course Learning Outcomes

1. Students will be introduced to a range of philosophical concepts
2. They will develop skills in argumentation and analysis in writing essays.
3. They will develop skills in public debating and discussion.
4. Students will develop skills in forming research questions and conducting research using a range of sources and technologies.
5. They will be able to apply philosophical concepts to understanding moral disagreement and the conditions for the possibility of community in a multi-cultural context.
6. They will have developed expertise in value theory to assist them in understanding complex cultural interactions.
7. They will have the appropriate concepts with which to consider the impact of popular media and
other cultural artefacts on moral outlook.

University Graduate Attributes

This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

University Graduate Attribute	Course Learning Outcome(s)
Knowledge and understanding of the content and techniques of a chosen discipline at advanced levels that are internationally recognised.	1
The ability to locate, analyse, evaluate and synthesise information from a wide variety of sources in a planned and timely manner.	2, 3
An ability to apply effective, creative and innovative solutions, both independently and cooperatively, to current and future problems.	4, 5
Skills of a high order in interpersonal understanding, teamwork and communication.	3, 6
A proficiency in the appropriate use of contemporary technologies.	4
A commitment to continuous learning and the capacity to maintain intellectual curiosity throughout life.	7
A commitment to the highest standards of professional endeavour and the ability to take a leadership role in the community.	6, 7
An awareness of ethical, social and cultural issues within a global context and their importance in the exercise of professional skills and responsibilities.	6, 7

Learning Resources

Required Resources

Introductory and more advanced references will be provided.

Recommended Resources

Introductory and more advanced references will be provided.

Online Learning

Online references will be provided.
Learning & Teaching Activities

Learning & Teaching Modes

Lectures and seminars or tutorials

Workload

The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

Lectures and seminars/tutorials per week totalling 3 hours.
Reading per week (set & recommended texts): 3 hours
Preparation for lecture/seminar/tutorial per week: 3 hours
Assessment tasks preparation each week: 3 hours
Total per week = 12 hours
12 weeks of course: 12 x 12 hrs = 144 hours in total for semester

Learning Activities Summary

Lectures and seminars/tutorials including online engagement

Small Group Discovery Experience

Small group activities included

The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
Assessment must maintain academic standards.

Assessment Summary

Essays and Coursework

Assessment Related Requirements

Attendance, participation, assessment tasks, coursework

Assessment Detail

Attendance, participation, assessment tasks, coursework

Submission

See Philosophy Handbook

Course Grading

Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
Grade	Mark	Description
FNS		Fail No Submission
F	1-49	Fail
P	50-64	Pass
C	65-74	Credit
D	75-84	Distinction
HD	85-100	High Distinction
CN		Continuing
NFE		No Formal Examination
RP		Result Pending

Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

Student Feedback

The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.
Student Support
Policies & Guidelines
This section contains links to relevant assessment-related policies and guidelines - all university policies.
Fraud Awareness

Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.

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Authorised by:	Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Academic)
Maintained by:	Course Outlines Administrator