Unit information: Value Theory in 2016/17

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Unit name Value Theory
Unit code PHILM0026
Credit points 20
Level of study M/7
Teaching block(s) Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24)
Unit director Dr. Pearson
Open unit status Not open
Pre-requisites

None
Co-requisites

None
School/department Department of Philosophy
Faculty Faculty of Arts, Law and Social Sciences

Description including Unit Aims

This is a Masters level foundation course in the theory of value, meta-ethics, ethics, political philosophy or related fields of philosophy, and aims to provide a solid grounding in practical philosophy for all masters of philosophy, and aims to provide a solid grounding in these central areas of philosophy for all masters and doctoral students in philosophy. The seminars consists in a close reading of a central philosophical text or texts. The text may sometimes be a single work by an author, or a series of articles. Topics to be covered will include some of the following: Realism and anti-realism in ethics; the nature of normative reasons; moral motivation; moral epistemology; conceptions of moral psychology; theory vs. anti-theory views in ethics; central ethical theories (Kantianism, Aristotelianism, contractualism, consequentialism, Humeanism); moral scepticism.

Aim:

To provide a grounding in (a) central area(s) of practical philosophy, e.g. ethics, meta-ethics, political philosophy

Intended Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students should:

  1. Have acquired knowledge and understanding of central areas of philosophy moral philosophy, and other areas of value theory,
  2. Be able to construct and analyze sophisticated philosophical arguments and engage with other philosophers in constructive debate. Be able to communicate ideas clearly and effectively to an audience, using e.g. blackboard, handouts, data projection (e.g. PowerPoint).

Teaching Information

2-hour seminar each week + essay tutorials

Assessment Information

One essay of 5,000-6,000 words (including notes, but excluding bibliography)

Reading and References

Core readings in metaethics can be found in:

Russ Shafer-Landau and Terence Cuneo (eds.) Foundations of Ethics: An Anthology, (Blackwell, 2007)

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