Overview
A detailed examination of issues in applied philosophy drawn from ethics, political philosophy, philosophy of artificial intelligence, philosophy of religion, environmental philosophy, or social epistemology.
After a discussion of some key topics in contemporary political philosophy, the paper deals with two controversial issues: conspiracy theories and indigenous rights. Are conspiracy theories as such intellectually suspect? What about the theory that Big Oil conspired to minimise the effects of Climate Change? With regard to indigeneity, we discuss the use of the term ‘indigenous’, the politics associated with it, and what rights (if any) should be associated with being indigenous.
About this paper
| Paper title | Advanced Problems in Applied Philosophy |
|---|---|
| Subject | Philosophy |
| EFTS | 0.1667 |
| Points | 20 points |
| Teaching period | Semester 2 (On campus) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) | $1,240.75 |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- Prerequisite
- 36 PHIL points at 200-level or above
- Eligibility
The paper is designed for honours students in philosophy.
- Contact
- More information link
- Teaching staff
Course co-ordinator: Professor Greg Dawes
Professor Greg Dawes
Professor Lisa Ellis
Professor Miranda Johnson (History)
Professor Charles Pigden- Paper Structure
Political Philosophy, drawing on the work of John Rawls and Jürgen Habermas, and discussing democracy, freedom, property, environment population, and sexuality.
Philosophy of Conspiracy Theories, touching on Popper, Pigden and the cock-up theory of history and the fact that people frequently conspire.
Philosophy of Indigenous Rights, discussing categories of indigeneity, the politics of indigeneity, and the question of indigenous rights.
- Teaching Arrangements
Two 2-hour classes each week.
- Textbooks
Set Texts:
Coady, David ed (2006). Conspiracy Theories: the Philosophical Debate, Routledge (paperback).Recommended Texts:
Hagen Kurtis (2006). Conspiracy Theories: the Failure of Intellectual Critique, University of Michigan Press.- Course outline
Reading material will be supplied.
- Graduate Attributes Emphasised
- Interdisciplinary perspective, Ethics, Research.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes. - Learning Outcomes
- Understand and communicate key concepts in applied philosophy.
- Demonstrate familiarity, and critically engage with key philosophical works in applied philosophy.
- Work in team-based learning groups with the opportunity to engage in constructive discussions and collaborative workflow.
- Understand key debates in applied philosophy.