Topics in Moral Psychology

Subject PHIL40003 (2011)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2011.

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 4 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject is not offered in 2011.

Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 1 x 2-hour seminar each week
Total Time Commitment: An average of 10 hours each week
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: Students who enrol in this subject must have completed a Bachelor of Arts degree or equivalent.
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 Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Objectives, 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 the Disability Liaison Unit: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Subject Overview: The subject examines recent philosophical developments in the study of the psychology of moral agents. Topics to be covered may include: (1) the nature of rationality, (2) the nature of autonomy, (3) recent feminist contributions to moral psychology, (4) the relation between values and the self, (5) the role of emotion in moral psychology, (6) the relevance of moral psychology to other areas of philosophy such as metaethics.
Objectives:

Students who successfully complete this subject will:

  • have a detailed knowledge of some of the main philosophical issues in moral psychology.
  • acquire the ability to critically engage with the most recent literature on the issues discussed.
  • have a sophisticated understanding of the relevance of moral psychology to other areas of philosophy such as metaethics.
Assessment: A 5000-word essay 100% (due at the end of semester).
Prescribed Texts: Readings will be available online.
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

Students who successfully complete this subject will

  • develop skills in constructing arguments and assessing their strength.
  • improve their ability to develop and defend their own position with regard to complex theoretical issues.
  • have learnt to present complex ideas clearly.
Links to further information: http://www.philosophy.unimelb.edu.au/
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Gender Studies
Gender Studies
Gender Studies
Philosophy
Philosophy
Philosophy
Philosophy

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