Module description
The module will focus on some basic notions that are widely used in contemporary normative ethics, notions like impartiality, benevolence, respect and equality. Ethical theories differ both in regard to which of these notions they employ and in regard to how they interpret the notion in question. The ethical theories we shall examine will include Kantianism, Consequentialism and Contractualism.
For full details:
https://www.kcl.ac.uk/artshums/depts/philosophy/modules/level5/5aanb006.aspx
Assessment details
Summative assessment: one 2,500-word essay (100%)
Formative assessment: one 2,000-word essay
Educational aims & objectives
Students will be introduced to various areas of moral philosophy, and will examine some of the core ideas that have shaped contemporary debates.
Learning outcomes
Through the study of this module, students will acquire:
- An advanced understanding of the central claims, arguments, problems and solutions to be found in contemporary discussions of these topics.
- In addition, the module will help students to develop their abilities to interpret, synthesise and criticise complex texts and positions;
- Present and critically assess ideas in a clear and rigorous way;
- Undertake, with appropriate guidance, independent work, including identifying and using appropriate resources.
Teaching pattern
One one-hour weekly lecture and one one-hour weekly seminar over ten weeks.
Suggested reading list
Christine Korsgaard – Fellow Creatures (Oxford: Oxford University Press).
Susan Wolf – ‘Morality and Partiality’ Philosophical Perspectives 6 (1992) 243-59.
- Velleman – ‘A Right to Self-Termination?’ Ethics 109 (April 1999) 606-28.
John Taurek – ‘Should the Numbers Count?’ Philosophy and Public Affairs Vol. 6/4 1977 pp. 293-316.