Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

At least one of the above or another 20 credit stage 1 Philosophical Studies module required

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

To introduce students to the foundations, fundamental themes and development of modern ethical thinking from the Enlightenment to the present day and to demonstrate the relevance of ethical theory to contemporary moral debates.

This module offers an accessible introduction to the most important sources, ideas and problems in modern ethical theory with particular attention to egoism, utilitarianism and Continental ethical theory. Seminar time will also be devoted to applying many of the theories to contemporary social problems chosen from topics such as war, famine, animal rights, the environment and genetics.

Outline Of Syllabus

We shall supply the theoretical groundwork for looking at ethical issues by introducing and interrogating principal modern ethical positions from thinkers such as Hobbes, Smith, Kant, Hegel and Mill, as well as more contemporary thinkers such as MacIntyre and Vattimo. The theories will be used to consider the problems of moral luck, determinism and moral scepticism and to interrogate contemporary ethical issues such as plagiarism, intellectual property, digital ownership and objectification.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

By the end of the course, students will be able to:
- identify the basic positions and ideas of the ethical theories of modernity;
- identify the specific ideas of and problems with at least three moral thinkers/theories;
- relate these theories to ethical issues in contemporary society.

Intended Skill Outcomes

By the end of the course, students will be able to:
- critically assess at least three ethical positions;
- orally and verbally express the significance and relevance of moral thinking to issues in contemporary society;
- think analytically about moral issues and problems.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Lectures will introduce students to the leading ethical theories of modernity. Students will also be taught how such theories can illuminate current ethical debates and discussion time will be inserted so students can develop the skill of applying these theories in order to enlighten current debates.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The first essay is one out of six standard topics whereas the second can be designed by the student with the tutor’s help and approval. This makes it possible to assess knowledge acquisition, interpretative skill and theoretical understanding as well as the analytic and critical abilities of the student. The essays test the ability to think creatively, self-critically and independently as well as managing one’s own work to set time limits. This assessment method also gauges the students’ ability to move between generalisation and appropriately detailed discussion, and to cite relevant texts and interpret them adequately.

General Notes

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