Philosophical Psychology
Unit code: HAH319
| Credit points | 12.5 Credit Points |
| Duration | One Semester or Term |
| Contact hours | 36 hours |
| Campus | Hawthorn |
| Prerequisites | HAH100 Introduction to Philosophy, or HAH101 History of Ideas, or at least one stage 2 Psychology unit, or approved equivalent. |
| Corequisites | Nil |
Related course(s)
A third-year level unit of study in the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Social Science programs.Aims and objectives
Learning Objectives
After completing this unit of study students are expected to understand a range of key themes at the interface of philosophy and psychology. These include:
- The changing face of scientific psychology
- The scientific status of qualitative research in psychology
- The complementarity of the quantitative and the qualitative
- The need for a pluralistic approach to theory and research in psychology
- An introduction to the philosophical background to, and psychological applications of, several influential non-reductionist approaches to the psychological study of the person, such as the phenomenological, hermeneutic, postmodern, and critical, and an awareness of their domains of practical application.
Students are expected to develop their skills in:
· Critically evaluating competing viewpoints and appraising concealed presuppositions
· Expanding their understanding of psychological issues through interaction with well-developed philosophical theories
· Communicating their findings clearly and effectively
Assessment
* Two 2500-word essays (35% each)
Generic skills outcomes
The graduate attributes which relate to this unit help to produce graduates who are:
- Capable in their chosen professional, vocational or study areas
- Entrepreneurial in contributing to innovation and development within their business, workplace or community
- Effective and ethical in work and community situations
- Adaptable and able to manage change
- Aware of local and international environments in which they will be contributing (eg socio-cultural, economic, natural)
Content
Issues considered include:§ The changing face of scientific psychology;
§ The scientific status of qualitative research in psychology;
§ The complementarity of the quantitative and the qualitative;
§ The need for a pluralistic approach to theory and research in psychology;
§ An introduction to several influential non-reductionist approaches to the psychological study of the person, including the phenomenological, hermeneutic, postmodern, and critical approaches.
§ Critical reflection on the conception of personhood
§ Prospects for sustained and constructive dialogue between the diverse approaches that characterise contemporary psychology.
