Moral Philosophy Non Honours PHIL3012

  • Academic Session: 2024-25
  • School: School of Humanities
  • Credits: 20
  • Level: Level 3 (SCQF level 9)
  • Typically Offered: Semester 2
  • Available to Visiting Students: No
  • Collaborative Online International Learning: No

Short Description

This course introduces students to central issues and arguments in contemporary ethics.

Timetable

16x1hr lectures; 4x1hr seminars over eleven weeks as scheduled on MyCampus.
This is one of the Level 3 options in Philosophy and may not run every year. The options that are running this session are available on MyCampus.

Requirements of Entry

Grade D3 or above in one of the Philosophy level 2 courses or at the discretion of the Head of Philosophy. 

Excluded Courses

PHIL4024 Moral Philosophy.

Assessment

Essay (1,800 words) - 40%
Examination (2-hour duration) - 60%

Main Assessment In: April/May

Course Aims

This course will provide the opportunity to:

■ study a number of major issues in contemporary ethics;

■ study and critically engage with core positions and arguments within ethics, including meta-ethics, such as: realism; antirealism; constructivism; sensibility theories;

■ Compare and critically evaluate competing accounts of moral discourse and behaviour.

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ Explain the main theses of important philosophical theories of morality and moral discourse;

■ Assess the arguments offered both in support of and against the central theories;

■ Explain and critically evaluate explanations of moral discourse and behaviour.

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.