Great Thinkers in Moral Philosophy

Subject 672-334 (2008)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2008.Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.500
Level: Undergraduate
Dates & Locations:

This subject is not offered in 2008.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: Thirty-two contact hours per semester; two 1-hour lectures per week for the first 11 weeks and a 1-hour tutorial per week beginning the third week of semester
Total Time Commitment: Not available
Prerequisites: At least one first-year single-semester philosophy subject, or permission from the Head of School or subject coordinator.
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Coordinator

Dr Douglas Adeney
Subject Overview:

This subject critically studies three of the classic works of moral philosophy: Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics, Kant's Groundwork of the Metaphysic of Morals, and Mill's Utilitarianism. On completion of the subject, students should have acquired the competence and understanding necessary to engage profitably with these significant and influential texts, and to appreciate what is distinctive and of abiding interest in them.

Assessment: A written assignment of 2000 words 50% (due mid-semester), a 2-hour closed-book written examination 47% (held at the end of semester) and tutorial participation 3%.
Prescribed Texts: Prescribed Texts:Any edition of the three texts named above. A booklet of Supplementary Readings will also be made available.
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

  • be able to recognise philosophically important similarities and differences between views and issues arising in different texts and contexts;

  • be able to apply the analytical skills developed in this subject to other philosophical and non-philosophical studies;

  • be able to apply the critical skills developed in this subject to other philosophical and non-philosophical studies.

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