Topics in Moral Psychology

Subject PHIL40003 (2012)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2012.

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

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2012:

Semester 1, Parkville - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable

Standard



Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 2 (1x 2hour 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 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/

Coordinator

Assoc Prof Christopher Cordner

Contact

A/Prof Christopher Cordner

ccordner@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview:

This subject explores various issues in the psychology of morals, paying particular attention to the relation between moral psychology and meta-ethics. Specific topics for discussion may include: the nature of rationality, values and the self, the roles of various emotions in moral psychology, and the feminised versus the Kantian sublime.

Objectives:

Students who successfully complete this class should:

  • have a detailed knowledge of some of the main philosophical issues in moral psychology.
  • have acquired the ability to critically engage with important literature on the issues discussed.
  • have a sophisticated understanding of the relation of moral psychology to other areas of philosophy such as meta-ethics.

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 pass 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:

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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