Value Theory

Subject PHIL40004 (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: 2 ( 1x 2 hour seminar per week)
Total Time Commitment: An average of 10 hours each week.
Prerequisites: None.
Corequisites: None.
Recommended Background Knowledge: Students enrolling in this subject must have completed a Bachelor of Arts degree of 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 Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Contact

Dr Karen Jones

jonek@unimelb.edu.au

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 research essay 100% (due at the end of semester).

Hurdle Requirement: Students are required to attend a minimum of 75% of classes in order to qualify to have their written work assessed. Students who fail to meet this hurdle requirement will be deemed ineligible to submit the final piece of assessment for this subject. Regular participation in class is required.

Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 2% per working day. In-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked. All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject.
Prescribed Texts:

A subject reader will be available through the university bookshop at the commencement of semester.
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: Philosophy
Philosophy
Philosophy
Philosophy

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