Module Details

The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title MORAL PHILOSOPHY
Code PHIL239
Coordinator Prof T Schramme
Philosophy
T.Schramme@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2018-19 Level 5 FHEQ First Semester 15

Aims

Students will consider the theories and arguments of some of the most important contemporary moral philosophers focused on normative and applied ethics.

Students will discuss some of the main concepts in moral philosophy.

Students will appreciate the variety of philosophical issues raised by morality and a range of controversial social practices.

Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to distinguish some of the main concepts in moral philosophical debates.

Students will be able to distinguish between different ways of understanding  concepts in moral philosophical debates.

Students will be able to explain and evaluate some of the main theories in contemporary moral philosophy.

Students will be able to analyse concepts and arguments relating to ethical issues.

Students will be able to identify philosophical assumptions underlying ethical claims.

Students will be able to structure a discussion of issues in moral philosophy.

Students will be able to speak with confidence and clarity on issues of moral philosophy.
Students will be able to explain details of influential texts in recent moral philosophy.

Students will be able to articulate and defend positions in moral philosophy.

Students will be able to write coherently and rigorously about abstract philosophical issues raised by ethical controversies.

Syllabus

The idea and purpose of moral theory.

Practical reasoning, objectivity and impartiality.

Moral character.

The importance of moral perception.

Life and death: abortion.

Life and death: euthanasia.

Psychiatry and ethics.

Animal rights and speciesism.

Applied ethics and virtues.


Teaching and Learning Strategies

Lecture - 11 x 1 hour lectures, 1 per week

Seminar - 11 x 1 hour seminars


Teaching Schedule

  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 11
11 x 1 hour lectures, 1 per week
11
11 x 1 hour seminars
        22
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 128
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment

EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
             
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
Practical Assessment  10-15 minutes  Assessment deadlines are consi  10  No reassessment opportunity    Presentation There is no reassessment opportunity,  
Practical Assessment  3,500 words  Assessment deadlines are consi  90  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Essay Notes (applying to all assessments) Reassessment of Assessment 1 is not possible due to the nature of the task: seminar presentation that cannot be repeated. Formative feedback will be available for essay plans. 

Recommended Texts

Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.
Explanation of Reading List: