2008/09 Undergraduate Module Catalogue
PHIL2322 Moral Philosophy
20 creditsClass Size: 200
Module manager: Pekka Vayrynen
Email: p.vayrynen@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2008/09
Pre-requisites
| PHIL1002 | Introduction to Ethics |
This module is mutually exclusive with
| PHIL2250 | Moral Philosophy |
Module replaces
PHIL2250This module is not approved as an Elective
Module summary
Ordinary thought and talk is shot through with both 'thin' moral notions such as right, wrong, good, and bad and 'thicker' moral notions such as cowardice, brutality, honesty, and decency. But our use of these concepts raises some of the most important questions in human life. What is the basis of our use of these moral notions? Are our moral judgments rooted in feeling or reason? What is the connection between morality and motivation? How is moral obligation possible? What is the nature of happiness, and how is happiness relevant to morality? What is virtue? This module aims to explore some of these questions as well as related issues. It also aims at providing students with a solid grasp of some central views in moral theory which will provide a framework for thinking seriously about moral matters. We shall pay careful attention to primary texts by at least two major philosophers from the history of moral philosophy, and we will work hard at interpreting these texts both critically and sympathetically. Relevant work by contemporary philosophers may also be discussed. The teaching format will combine lecture and seminar. PHIL 1200 Introduction to Ethics is a pre-requisite for taking this class. For further information contact Kate Hickson in the School of Philosophy office: K.A.Hickson@leeds.ac.uk.Semester: 2. Assessment: Three hour final examination (100%)Objectives
On completion of this module, students should be able to:1. show some understanding of the views and arguments of some of the most important moral philosophers from the history of philosophy;
2. show a good grasp of how their positions relate to one another;
3. demonstrate a broad understanding of particular schools and issues in moral theory and their historical backgrounds;
4. manifest skills of philosophical argument and analysis.
Syllabus
This module aims to provide students with a solid grasp of the central views in moral theory, through in depth study of primary texts by at least four major philosophers from the history of moral philosophy. Prominent examples of such figures include Plato, Aristotle, Hume, Kant, Mill and Nietzsche. Issues raised will typically include at least some of the following: the nature of moral judgement and its relationship to motivation; reason, desire and the passions; duty and virtue; virtue and happiness; freedom and responsibility; the nature of pleasure; moral weakness; self-interest and morality; consequences and side-constraints; the objectivity or otherwise of moral judgements; whether morality or rationality can be instruments of oppression.
Teaching methods
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
| Lecture | 11 | 1.00 | 11.00 |
| Seminar | 10 | 1.00 | 10.00 |
| Private study hours | 179.00 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 21.00 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200.00 | ||
Private study
Seminar preparation: 120 hours;Revision notes: 9 hours;
Examination preparation: 40 hours.
Opportunities for Formative Feedback
Seminar performance;Oral presentation;
Revision notes.
Methods of assessment
Exams
| Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
| Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc) | 3 hr 00 mins | 100.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 100.00 | |
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: 13/05/2009
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