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PHIL31020

Academic Year 2024/2025

Kant on Freedom & Morality (PHIL31020)

Subject:
Philosophy
College:
Social Sciences & Law
School:
Philosophy
Level:
3 (Degree)
Credits:
10
Module Coordinator:
Professor James O'Shea
Trimester:
Spring
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

Immanuel Kant (1724–1804) introduced a conception of freedom and moral autonomy that has ever since been one of the most influential conceptions of the nature and ground of universal human rights and of our free rational agency. Whether in defence or criticism of Kant's moral philosophy, His influence on 20th & 21st c. moral philosophy has been enormous. Prior to critique of his complex view, however, one first has to understand what that view is, which is all too often not the case. In this module we'll attempt to understand Kant's moral philosophy by reading each week a short selection of Kant's most famous writings in 'practical philosophy' (i.e., ethics) plus readings by 20th-21st century philosophers who have attempted to explain, extend, modify, and criticise Kant's views.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this module students should have achieved a sound knowledge not only of Kant's moral theory but of debates concerning the nature of the human being's freedom and 'practical' reason-governed agency in general. Students will also learn how Kant's views contrast with some of his predecessors and contemporaries, in particular David Hume, but also in relation to subsequent philosophers influenced by John Rawls's reading of Kant today.

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

24
Tutorial

10
Specified Learning Activities

66
Autonomous Student Learning

100
Total

200

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
The lecture meetings in this module wiIl generally be small seminar-style discussions of the readings for that week, always welcoming questions, puzzlement, insights, and criticisms from students. The analytical and interpretive essay will focus on improving critical thinking skills and logical analysis of texts, concepts, and arguments. Any announced short assignments or quizzes will seek to enhance basic and accumulating knowledge of central concepts, the interpretation of and critical reflection on key texts, and imaginative reflection on the various conceptual issues and moral raised.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Recommendations:

There are no prerequisites for this module. (It does go well as a follow up module to 'Hume & Kant', but that is not necessary for this module.)


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 

Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Exam (In-person): Final Exam in the RDS. End of trimester
Duration:
2 hr(s)
 Graded No

40

 No
Exam (In-person): In-module 50 minute midterm exam on the texts and articles we'll have read through week 5. Week 6 Graded No

20

 No
Assignment(Including Essay): 1350-1650 word Essay assignment. (You must not use generative Al in this assignment for any purpose. ) Week 10 Graded No

20

 No
Participation in Learning Activities: Attendance & participation, plus any short written activities that may be assigned and announced ahead of time in tutorials or lectures. Week 1, Week 2, Week 3, Week 4, Week 5, Week 6, Week 7, Week 8, Week 9, Week 10, Week 11, Week 12, Week 14, Week 15 Graded No

20

 No

Carry forward of passed components
No
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Autumn Yes - 2 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Not yet recorded.

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