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

(LO1) Students will be able to distinguish some of the main concepts in moral philosophical debates.

(LO2) Students will be able to distinguish between different ways of understanding  concepts in moral philosophical debates.

(LO3) Students will be able to explain and evaluate some of the main theories in contemporary moral philosophy.

(LO4) Students will be able to analyse concepts and arguments relating to ethical issues.

(LO5) Students will be able to identify philosophical assumptions underlying ethical claims.

(LO6) Students will be able to structure a discussion of issues in moral philosophy.

(LO7) Students will be able to speak with confidence and clarity on issues of moral philosophy.

(LO8) Students will be able to explain details of influential texts in recent moral philosophy.

(LO9) Students will be able to articulate and defend positions in moral philosophy.

(LO10) Students will be able to write coherently and rigorously about abstract philosophical issues raised by ethical controversies.

(S1) Students will develop their skills in making appropriate use of information technology, information on the World Wide Web and reference works and databases relevant to the discipline.

(S2) Students will enhance their capacity to participate, in a dispassionate and respectful manner, in debates about controversial and profound matters.

(S3) Students will develop their willingness critically to evaluate and reflect upon arguments, beliefs, proposals and values, both their own and those of others.

(S4) Students will enhance their abilities in reading and understanding texts and in comprehending abstract material.

(S5) Students will develop their skills in thinking critically, analysing problems and analysing and assessing arguments.

(S6) Students will enhance their ability to identify and reflect critically upon the issues that underlie debates.

(S7) Students will develop confidence in considering previously unfamiliar ideas and approaches.

(S8) Students will enhance their ability to marshal arguments and present them orally and in writing.

(S9) Students will develop the ability to perform bibliographical searches, to include (to professional standard) citations and bibliographies in their work and to plan, organise and produce presentations and essays.

(S10) Students will enhance their oral and written communications skills and develop skill in explaining complex material in a precise manner.

The purpose and method of moral theory. Practical reasoning, objectivity and impartiality. Moral character and moral emotions. 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 Method 1 - Lecture
Description: 11 x 1 hour lectures, 1 per week.
Lectures are tutor-led activities, offering a map of the syllabus and a framework for independent enquiry-led research. Students are encouraged to engage actively with lectures through, for example: (i) taking opportunities to ask questions during the session; (ii) reflecting on and responding to questions posed to them; (iii) producing questions and notes on issues for subsequent group discussion in seminars.
Attendance Recorded: No

Teaching Method 2 - Seminar
Description: 5 x 2 hour seminars.
Seminars are formative spaces of applied and enquiry-led learning based on pre-set readings and facilitated by the tutor. Seminars thus offer opportunities for students to respond to tutor- and peer-set questions, deepen understanding, apply ideas, develop arguments and build confidence through group discussion. One or two students take the lead each week through peer-teaching, delivering pres entations based on their own enquiries and identification of questions and issues.
Attendance Recorded: Yes