Ethical Theory

Subject 161-008 (2009)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2009. Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 2 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject is not offered in 2009.
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: Total of 8.5 hours per week.
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

Contact

Assoc Prof Christopher Cordner

ccordner@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview: This subject involves the discussion of some recent philosophical explorations of the nature and ground of moral thinking. On completion of the subject students should be able to think critically about, and to evaluate, the philosophical cogency of those explorations, and have acquired a background for their own further philosophical reflection on the nature and ground of morality.
Objectives: Students who successfully complete this subject will
  • have developed an understanding of some important recent views on the nature and grounds of morality;
  • be able to think critically about, and to evaluate, the philosophical cogency of those views;
  • have acquired a background for their own further philosophical reflection on morality;
  • have developed a deeper sense of what is at issue in the ethical problems explored;
  • have developed a sense of where the limits of philosophical argument in relation to such problems lie.
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:
A subject reader will be available from the bookshop at the start of semester.
Breadth Options:

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:
  • develop skills in critical thinking and analysis;
  • have improved their ability to think in theoretical terms;
  • develop skills in written communication.
Notes: Previously available as Basic Issues in Moral Theory. Students who have completed Basic Issues in Moral Theory are not eligible to enrol in this subject.
Related Course(s): Diploma in Arts (Philosophy)
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Philosophy
Philosophy
Philosophy
Philosophy Major

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