PHIL10002 Philosophy: The Big Questions
University of Melbourne · Level 1 · 12.5 points · Runs in 2026: Semester 1.
- Final exam 40%: mostly coursework
- About 3 class hours a week
Is PHIL10002 hard?
PHIL10002: About average. Makes it easier: First-year subject. Makes it harder: You must pass the exam on its own, 3 other hurdle tasks. The easier and harder points roughly balance out. No student reviews yet — based on the Handbook only.
What you learn
An introduction to philosophy through big questions like truth, right and wrong, justice, free will and personal identity.
After it you can
- Explain how modern philosophers answer the big questions
- Spot weak points in an argument
- Form and defend your own philosophical view
What you need first
None
What it leads to
How it’s assessed
Assignments 20%, Reports and essays 30%, Final exam 40%, Quizzes 10%
Student reviews and ratings
Summarised from 10 students on StudentVIP (2017–2026)
- A broad intro to philosophy in three topic blocks, assessed by essays (the exam is also a take-home essay). Many found it interesting and a good way to test interest in philosophy.
- Readings are dense and the pace is fast, so beginners and breadth students often struggled. Keeping up with readings and attending tutorials is the main advice; not a WAM booster.
- Opinions on structure differ: a 2025 reviewer found the three blocks unfocused, while a 2026 reviewer with no philosophy background enjoyed it and scored well.
A summary of public reviews, not scored here.
Taken this subject? Rate it anonymously (difficulty, workload, marking, would you recommend it) and leave a tip for next year's students. Rate PHIL10002
Quick answers
- When is PHIL10002 offered?
- Runs in 2026: Semester 1.
- What do I need before taking PHIL10002?
- No prerequisites.
- Does PHIL10002 have a final exam?
- Yes, the final exam is 40% of the mark. You must pass the exam on its own. Assessment: Assignments 20%, Reports and essays 30%, Final exam 40%, Quizzes 10%.
- Is PHIL10002 hard?
- From 10 student reviews on StudentVIP: A broad intro to philosophy in three topic blocks, assessed by essays (the exam is also a take-home essay). Many found it interesting and a good way to test interest in philosophy.
- What do students say about PHIL10002?
- A broad intro to philosophy in three topic blocks, assessed by essays (the exam is also a take-home essay). Many found it interesting and a good way to test interest in philosophy. Readings are dense and the pace is fast, so beginners and breadth students often struggled. Keeping up with readings and attending tutorials is the main advice; not a WAM booster. Opinions on structure differ: a 2025 reviewer found the three blocks unfocused, while a 2026 reviewer with no philosophy background enjoyed it and scored well.
- How many class hours a week does PHIL10002 have?
- 3 h a week in class
- Can I take PHIL10002 as breadth?
- Yes, for: Bachelor of Biomedicine, Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Fine Arts (Acting), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Animation), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Dance), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Film and Television), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Music Theatre), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Production), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Screenwriting), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Theatre), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Visual Art), Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Science.
- What can I take after PHIL10002?
- 2 subjects need it first, for example PHIL30007, POLS20034.
- Can I rate PHIL10002?
- Yes. If you've taken it, rate it anonymously on this page (difficulty, workload, marking, would you recommend it) and leave a tip for next year's students. Averages show once 3 students have rated it; tips are checked before they appear.
Source: University of Melbourne Handbook 2026
Always confirm in the official Handbook.
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