| Unit name | Themes in Ethics |
|---|---|
| Unit code | PHIL30137 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | H/6 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
| Unit director | Dr. Sticker |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
None |
| School/department | Department of Philosophy |
| Faculty | Faculty of Arts |
Philosophical ethics explores fundamental questions about how we ought to live. Can morality require extreme sacrifices, and if so under what conditions? How do we explain the special value of going above and beyond what is morally required? What is so important about autonomy, i.e. being in charge of our own decisions and lives? Should we always act such that the principle of our action could become a law in the 'kingdom of ends'? Is the good will uniquely valuable? How can we cultivate practical wisdom? What does it mean to be virtuous?
In this unit we will make an in depth study of one or more central themes in philosophical ethics, at an advanced level. The particular themes focused on may vary from year to year, but in each case will raise issues of enduring and general philosophical interest and importance. The positions and arguments advanced by particular philosophers in developing the theme(s) will be considered and assessed. Examples of possible themes that might be studied: moral demandingness and supererogation, the question which (if any) ethical theory is the most promising, the nature and stringency of duties of aid, fundamental and applied issues for Kantian ethics, fundamental and applied issues for virtue ethics.
The unit therefore aims to:
An overview of content
Examples of possible themes that might be studied: moral demandingness and supererogation, the question which (if any) ethical theory is the most promising, the nature and stringency of duties of aid, fundamental and applied issues for Kantian ethics, fundamental and applied issues for virtue ethics.
How will students, personally, be different as a result of the unit
Students will have a grounding in the key debates in philosophical ethics, an awareness of contemporary debates and recent developments in the field, and will be prepared to undertake independent advanced-level research in the field. They will be able to apply their understanding of ethics to issues in their own lives and their careers.
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
(1) Outline key positions and explain their philosophical importance.
(2) Critically evaluate debates in the primary and secondary literature.
(3) Construct persuasive philosophical arguments.
(4) Work collaboratively with others to analyse philosophical ideas, and to work together as a group to produce a presentation.
Lectures, small group work, individual exercises, seminars and virtual learning environment.
Tasks which help you learn and prepare you for summative tasks (formative):
None
Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative):
When assessment does not go to plan
When required by the Board of Examiners, you will normally complete reassessments in the same formats as those outlined above. However, the Board reserves the right to modify the form or number of reassessments required. Details of reassessments are normally confirmed by the School shortly after the notification of your results at the end of the academic year.
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. PHIL30137).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the University Workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The assessment methods listed in this unit specification are designed to enable students to demonstrate the named learning outcomes (LOs). Where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, schools will make reasonable adjustments to support a student to demonstrate the LO by an alternative method or with additional resources.
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. For appropriate assessments, if you have self-certificated your absence, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (for assessments at the end of TB1 and TB2 this is usually in the next re-assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any exceptional circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
