The focus of this course is affective experience, the phenomenon of certain experiences (such as pain) feeling bad or good. Affective experience is the focus of increasing philosophical and scientific attention. It poses numerous questions across a range of philosophical areas (and beyond), from philosophy of mind and psychology to value theory.

16x1hr lectures and 4x1hr seminars as scheduled on MyCampus.

PHIL4060

None

The standard assessments for this course are:

■ 2 x Essay (2500 words) - 100%

If required, for instance where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, the following alternatives are available:

■ There is no alternative to the essays, but flexible deadlines can be offered as reasonable adjustments (students should follow the usual process for extensions)

Further reasonable adjustments may be provided where necessary. Students are encouraged to consult with the course convenor.

This course aims to:

■ Allow students to gain a thorough understanding of central theories about the nature of law.

■ Provide students with the opportunity to apply philosophical concepts and theories to philosophical issues raised by the law.

■ Encourage students to hone their analytical and critical skills, by considering and developing key arguments and positions in depth.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ Formulate clearly, and explain in some detail, central philosophical theories of the nature of law.

■ Critically evaluate the merits of those theories.

■ Competently deploy a variety of concepts from other philosophical subdisciplines (e.g. metaphysics, epistemology, philosophy of language, moral philosophy) in the analysis of philosophical questions raised by the law.

■ Articulate complex arguments perspicuously and rigorously, in written form.