phi2eth ethics

ETHICS

PHI2ETH

2014

Credit points: 15

Subject outline

In this subject, we explore basic questions about morality. Can moral judgments be true or false? Are there any "moral facts" that make them true or false? How can we know them? Are moral judgments "subjective"? Are they relative to one's culture or society? We will also examine the relation of ethics and science. Is there a connection between our moral values and our evolutionary history? Between moral values and psychology? Finally, we will discuss what makes acts right or wrong. Does the rightness of an act depend only on its consequences? Or are there further moral constraints? What makes the outcome of an act good? Should we always aim for the best outcome?

FacultyFaculty of Humanities & Social Sciences

Credit points15

Subject Co-ordinatorGreg Bognar

Available to Study Abroad StudentsYes

Subject year levelYear Level 2 - UG

Exchange StudentsYes

Subject particulars

Subject rules

PrerequisitesN/A

Co-requisitesN/A

Incompatible subjects PHI3ETH

Equivalent subjectsN/A

Special conditionsN/A

Learning resources

Readings

Resource TypeTitleResource RequirementAuthor and YearPublisher
ReadingsEthical theoryRecommendedPojman, L. (ed) 19952ND EDN. WADSWORTH
ReadingsNormative ethicsRecommendedKagan, S. 1997WESTVIEW

Subject options

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Start date between: and    Key dates

Melbourne, 2014, Semester 2, Day

Overview

Online enrolmentYes

Maximum enrolment sizeN/A

Enrolment information

Subject Instance Co-ordinatorGreg Bognar

Class requirements

SeminarWeek: 31 - 43
One 2.0 hours seminar per week on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via blended.

Assessments

Assessment elementComments%
Final essay (2000 words)50
Short assignments (adding up to 2000 words)50