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Ethics - PHI00007C

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  • Department: Philosophy
  • Module co-ordinator: Prof. Christian Piller
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: C
  • Academic year of delivery: 2023-24

Module summary

This module introduces you to important issues and debates in the various branches of moral philosophy. We will talk about moral truth, the structure and content of ethical theories, about what makes a life a good life and about why morality is important.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 2 2023-24

Module aims

To introduce and explore the three main branches of moral philosophy - meta-ethics, normative ethics and applied ethics.

Module learning outcomes

By the end of this module, students should be able to:

  • Articulate and explain some of the central debates and main positions in meta-ethics.
  • Articulate and explain the content of, and contrasts between, a range of normative principles.
  • Articulate and explain some of the most serious ethical challenges facing contemporary society, and then apply ethical theories to those challenges.
  • Critically evaluate a range of arguments and theses throughout meta-ethics, normative ethics and applied ethics.

Module content

This module introduces you to important issues and debates in the various branches of moral philosophy. We will talk about moral truth, the structure and content of ethical theories, about what makes a life a good life and about why morality is important. Philosophical reflection promises to deepen our understanding of what we care about and of our place in a world we share with others. You will learn about the conceptual framework in which these philosophical debates take place and, hopefully, what we learn will affect the way we think about pressing practical issues like climate change or our relationship with animals.

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Online Exam -less than 24hrs (Centrally scheduled)
Ethics		 3 hours 100

Special assessment rules

None

Reassessment

Task Length % of module mark
Online Exam -less than 24hrs (Centrally scheduled)
Ethics		 3 hours 100

Module feedback

Feedback will be provided on exam assessment within current guidelines for turnaround.

Indicative reading

A collection of online readings will be made available, including all the essential texts for lectures and seminars. A variety of material, both contemporary and historical, will be covered.


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University is constantly exploring ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary by the University. Where appropriate, the University will notify and consult with affected students in advance about any changes that are required in line with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.