Ethical Theory and Practice

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

170 hours

Admission into the Master of Arts in Professional and Applied Ethics or MC-EMA Executive master of Arts or 344AB Master of Public Policy and Management or ANZSOG Executive Master of Public Administration or another Masters by Coursework programme at the University of Melbourne with coordinator approval.

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

This subject introduces students to a range of concepts and ideas that have been central in philosophical thinking about ethics, and also explores ways in which these ideas inform everyday thinking and practice. Historically important approaches to ethics will include those of Plato, Aristotle, Immanuel Kant, and John Stuart Mill. As well as reflection on some contemporary writing in philosophical ethics and moral psychology, the subject will also involve critical reflection on various specific issues of contemporary ethical importance in society.

This class meets on 5 Saturdays during semester, the exact dates to be determined in the first meeting.

Students who successfully complete this subject will:

• appreciate some of the main themes of philosophical thinking about ethics;
• have developed their capacity to think clearly, imaginatively and critically about these themes;
• appreciate the bearing of these themes on ethical thinking and practice both in their own personal life and in their professional life.

• A 1500-word assignment research essay, due during the semester (30%)
• A 3500 word essay, due at the end of the semester (70%)

Hurdle requirement:

• Students must attend a minimum of 80% of classes in order to pass this subject.

Subject readings will be available online.

Alexandra, A., and Miller, S., Ethics in Practice UNSW Press (2009).

Raimond Gaita, A common Humanity (Melbourne Text Publishing, 1999).

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

This class meets on 5 Saturdays during semester, the exact dates to be determined in the first meeting.