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Ethics I

Key information

  • Module code:

    4AANA002

  • Level:

    4

  • Semester:

      Autumn

  • Credit value:

    15

Module description

The module will introduce students to some of the central issues in normative ethics/moral philosophy. In 2026-27, the module will focus on the idea of well-being. What is a good life? What can philosophy contribute to answering this question? 

Assessment details

When this module is taught in the Autumn term (Semester 1), there will be alternative assessment for Study Abroad students at King's for Semester 1 only.

FULL YEAR Study Abroad students:
Summative assessment: Moot court (group assessment), 1 hour (30%); Unseen written exam, 2 hours (70%).

SEMESTER 1-ONLY Study Abroad students: 
Summative assessment: Moot court (group assessment), 1 hour (30%); Essay, 2000 words (70%) due in Assessment Period 1 (January).

 

Formative assessment: NONE

Educational aims & objectives

  • To communicate to students some of the central issues in normative ethics
  • To teach them to read with close and disciplined attention inevitably difficult philosophical texts
  • To be intellectually open in a way that is necessary to anyone who studies a discipline that is continuously self-critical and reflective about its assumptions.

Learning outcomes

  • that they understand some of the central problems in normative ethics, why they have arisen and why they continue to occupy moral philosophers.
  • that they are able to make the detailed distinctions necessary for disciplined thought in philosophy while at the same time understanding the wider systematic issues raised.
  • that they understand the relation between philosophical thought about normative ethics and the moral life.

Teaching pattern

One two-hour weekly lecture and one one-hour weekly seminar per week over ten weeks. 

Subject areas

Department

Module description disclaimer

King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.

Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.

Please note that the module descriptions above are related to the current academic year and are subject to change.