• Philosophy Home
• Philosophy A-Z
• About the Department
• Staff
• Philosophy Society
• News and Events
• Course Modules
• Applicants
  • Undergraduates
  • Postgraduates
• Current Students
  • Undergraduates
  • Postgraduates
  • Philosophy Student Handbook
  • WebCT
• Research
  • Events
  • Projects
  • Links

• Print Friendly Pages
• Text Only Site
• University Home
• Back

• More Information
• Your Degree Progress
• Registration
• Modules at Level 8
• Core Modules and Options at Level 9
• Core Modules and Options at Level 10
• Directed Independent Study
• Student Advisory Scheme
• Careers

 

Core modules and Options at Level 9

PHI9J4 - Moral Theory

This course is an introduction to the philosophical investigation of morality. We will concentrate on that branch of moral-ethical theory often called normative ethics. Normative ethics examines questions like ‘How should one live?’, ‘What is it to live a good life?’, ‘What actions are morally right, wrong, good and bad?’, ‘What is it to be a good or bad person?’, ‘What duties do we have to others?’, ‘What are the correct moral principles?’. Moral theories attempt to specify and justify, in a systematic and rigorous way, answers to such questions. We will focus on understanding and evaluating the three major moral theories: consequentialism, deontology, and virtue ethics.

 

Aims and Intended Learning Outcomes

It is hoped that by the end of the semester students have developed a detailed picture of the strengths and weaknesses of a number of normative moral theories, and have gained a deepened understanding of the theoretical issues underlying our moral thought and practice.  The module further aims to improve critical reading, critical thinking, and oral communication skills through the seminar discussion and essay writing processes. 

Reading Material

The following texts are required:

Russ Shafer-Landau, Ethical Theory, Blackwell, 2007.

Availability:	Honours (semester 4 or 6), 3 Year Degree and General Degree.
Prerequisite:	Any two of PHI911, PHI912, PHI913
Assessment:	Coursework: one required essay, 50%; final three-hour examination 50%. Students may choose to submit a second essay to improve their coursework grade.
Teaching Pattern:	Two one-hour lectures and one one-hour seminar each week.
Regulations:	For the purposes of the University's attendance regulation 14, seminars are prescribed classes . The rationale for prescribing these classes may be found in the Philosophy Student Handbook, section F. This section also contains regulations relating to the submission of essays, and other matters.

Please contact Kent Hurtig if you would like to know more about this module.