Ethical Theory

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2012:

Standard

an average of 8.5 each week.

None.

None.

One of the following subjects is recommended but not required:

Students who have completed 161-008 or 672-335 (Ethical Theory) are not permitted to enrol in this subject.

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/

This subject critically studies the three classical approaches to moral philosophy: Aristotle 'virtue ethics, Immanuel Kant' deontology, and John Stuart Mill's Utilitarianism. As well as examining works by these great thinkers, we look at debates among the contemporary heirs to the traditions they started.

Students who successfully complete this subject will:

• have developed an understanding of the main approaches to the nature of morality.
• understand the historical antecedents to important contemporary approaches to the nature 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.

A written assignment of 2000 words 50% (due mid-semester), a 2-hour closed-book written examination 50% (held at the end of semester).

Hurdle Requirements: This subject has a minimum hurdle requirement of 75% tutorial attendance. Regular participation in tutorials is required. Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 10% per day. After 5 working days late assessment will not be marked. In-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked. All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject.

Sahfer-Landau (ed) Ethical Theory: An Anthology (Blackwell 2007). This book will be available from the University bookshop at the start of semester.

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

• Bachelor of Biomedicine
• Bachelor of Commerce
• Bachelor of Environments
• Bachelor of Music
• Bachelor of Science
• Bachelor of Engineering

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.

Students who successfully complete this subject will:

• develop skills in critical thinking and analysis.
• have improved their ability to think in theoretical terms.
• develop skills in written communication.