Topics in Moral Psychology

Subject PHIL40003 (2016)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2016.

Credit Points: 12.5
Level: 4 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject is not offered in 2016.

Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 24 hours - 1 x 2 hour seminar each week for 12 weeks
Total Time Commitment:

170 hours

Prerequisites:

Admission to fourth year Honours or the Graduate Diploma (Advanced) in the discipline of Philosophy.

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

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: autonomy and responsibility, recent feminist work on moral psychology, the role of emotion in moral psychology, values and the self, and the feminised versus the Kantian sublime.

Learning Outcomes:

Students who successfully complete this class will:

  • 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, due at the end of semester (100%)

Hurdle requirement:

  • Students must attend a minimum of 75% of classes in order to pass this subject.
  • All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject.

Note: Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 2% per day. After five days late assessment will not be marked. In-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked.

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
Links to further information: http://shaps.unimelb.edu.au/philosophy
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: 200 points Master of Arts (Professional and Applied Ethics)
Graduate Certificate in Arts (Advanced) - Philosophy
Graduate Diploma in Arts (Advanced) - Philosophy
PC-ARTS Philosophy
PD-ARTS Philosophy
Philosophy

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