This module is discontinued in the selected year. The information shown below is for the academic year that the module was last running in, prior to the year selected.
2018/19 Undergraduate Module Catalogue
PRHS3200 Moral, Rational Selves: Perspectives on Human Nature
20 creditsClass Size: 30
Module manager: James Boulding
Email: j.t.boulding@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2018/19
Pre-requisite qualifications
Enrolment in a programme with a named PRHS component (Philosophy, History & Philosophy of Science, Religion or Theology & Religious StudiesThis module is not approved as a discovery module
Module summary
This module will examine some recurring themes in the study of human nature and the approach that is taken in scientific, philosophical and/or theological disciplines. Students will consider the centrality of rationality, moral agency, self and freedom to human nature, and the particular perspectives each field brings to these concepts. They will also consider the extent to which work in one area conflicts with or complements other accounts.Objectives
The aims of the module are to introduce students to the ways in which the key themes of the module (rationality, morality, identity) are discussed in the sciences and in philosophy and theology, to draw connections between these different disciplinary perspectives on aspects of human nature, and to show how the theories and findings of these different perspectives interact.Learning outcomes
On completion of the module, students will be able to:
1. Display understand of the key module themes (rationality, morality, identity) and relate them to each other.
2. Explain the relevance of both current reserch and classical thought to the key themes.
3. Identify questions that are common to the study of human nature across multiple disciplines.
Skills outcomes
- Interpreting philosophical and theological texts
Relating work from different disciplines
Critical analysis and evaluation of philosophical and theological ideas and arguments.
Syllabus
Topics studied may include (but are not limited to) the following:
Topics studied may include (but are not limited to) the following:
• The nature of reason.
• The process of reasoning (action theory & neurology).
• The evolution of altruism and prosocial behaviour.
• The biological basis of morality; empathy and emotion.
• The relationship between rationality and self-interest.
• The nature of the self.
• The formation of identity; external influences on that formation.
Teaching methods
Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
Lectures | 11 | 1.00 | 11.00 |
Seminars | 10 | 1.00 | 10.00 |
Private study hours | 179.00 | ||
Total Contact hours | 21.00 | ||
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200.00 |
Opportunities for Formative Feedback
Via seminar performance, essays, and discussions with the module leader outside of class time (e.g. in office hours)Methods of assessment
Coursework
Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
Essay | 2000 words | 50.00 |
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 50.00 |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Exams
Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc) (S1) | 2 hr | 50.00 |
Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 50.00 |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Reading list
The reading list is available from the Library websiteLast updated: 22/01/2019
Browse Other Catalogues
- Undergraduate module catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate module catalogue
- Undergraduate programme catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate programme catalogue
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team.PROD