PHIL20039 The Nature of Reality
University of Melbourne · Level 2 · 12.5 points · Not running in 2026.
- No final exam: all coursework
Is PHIL20039 hard?
PHIL20039: About average. Not running in 2026, so it isn't on the lists. Makes it easier: No final exam. No student reviews yet — based on the Handbook only.
What you learn
Is the world as it seems, or shaped by our minds? Realism and idealism, personal identity, and the nature of time, using texts and films.
After it you can
- Compare realist and idealist views of the world
- Discuss what makes you the same person over time
- Write clear philosophical arguments
What you need first
None
How it’s assessed
Assignments 100%
Student reviews and ratings
Summarised from 3 students on StudentVIP (2019–2020)
- The two 2019 reviewers found it an engaging, interesting subject on metaphysics with a strong lecturer.
- The 2020 reviewer found the move online chaotic, with little communication and shifting deadlines, and said it largely repeats material for those who have done the first-year big-thinkers philosophy subject.
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 PHIL20039
Quick answers
- When is PHIL20039 offered?
- Not running in 2026.
- What do I need before taking PHIL20039?
- No prerequisites.
- Does PHIL20039 have a final exam?
- No, there is no final exam. Assessment: Assignments 100%.
- Is PHIL20039 hard?
- From 3 student reviews on StudentVIP: The two 2019 reviewers found it an engaging, interesting subject on metaphysics with a strong lecturer.
- What do students say about PHIL20039?
- The two 2019 reviewers found it an engaging, interesting subject on metaphysics with a strong lecturer. The 2020 reviewer found the move online chaotic, with little communication and shifting deadlines, and said it largely repeats material for those who have done the first-year big-thinkers philosophy subject.
- Can I take PHIL20039 as breadth?
- Yes, for: Bachelor of Biomedicine, Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Design, 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.
- Can I rate PHIL20039?
- 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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