Philosophy and Critical Thinking

Philosophy & Religion

You’ll be on the path to more knowledge by understanding what the fundamental nature of knowledge is, looking at critical thinking and argument, scepticism and the nature of the mind.

NZ$841

inc GST

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This course starts anytime

(15 Credits)


In-person study

Face-to-face learning in a physical classroom setting

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Describe Socrates’ contributions to philosophy

Including his role in the critique and conscience of self and society.

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Evaluate the sceptical challenge posed by Rene Descartes

To a dogmatic view of human knowledge.

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Explain the basics of epistemology

And how ideas on the relationship between a perceiving subject and the world can affect the possibility of certain knowledge.

What You're Signing Up For

This course explores fundamental philosophical topics such as the nature of knowledge, critical thinking and argument, scepticism, and the mind. It examines the contributions of key philosophers, epistemology, the mind-body problem, free will, and the skills to identify, construct, analyse, and critique arguments, culminating in producing clear and reasoned philosophical writing.

Course Content

  • Fundamental nature of knowledge
  • Critical thinking and argument
  • Scepticism and the nature of the mind
  • Socrates’ contributions to philosophy
  • The sceptical challenge of Rene Descartes
  • Basics of epistemology
  • Mind-body interaction problem
  • Universal causation and free will
  • Argument identification, construction, analysis and critique
  • Philosophical writing skills

What you need to know first

Minimum average grade of C- across specified courses

Restriction: Introduction to Philosophy, PHIL-101

Restriction: Logic and Critical Reasoning, PHIL-102