PHIL41120

Learning Outcomes:

Learning Aims
This module will serve as an advanced introduction to some of the key problems in metaethics, as such, the main aim is for students to understand and be able to critically evaluate various contemporary problems and theories in metaethics.
To introduce students to some key philosophical debates in metaethics.
To develop students critical and writing skills.

Learning Outcomes
For students to be able to critically evaluate the theory of expressivism.
For students to understand the key aspects of the debate on moral motivation.
For students to have a clear understanding of the challenges that naturalist and non-naturalist theories face.

Indicative Module Content:

Including, but not limited to:

• Moral realism vs moral anti-realism
• Rationality
• Idealisation
• Amoralism
• Subjectivism
• Emotivism
• Quasi-Realism
• Moral Truth and Objectivity
• Moral convergence

Student Effort Hours:

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:

These will be supplied by the TCD Lecturer - Dr Farbod Aklaghi

Not applicable to this module.

Not applicable to this module.
 

Assessment Strategy  

 

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?

Feedback will be provided on the essays submitted by the students

An extended reading list will be circulated once the module has begun.

The readings below will put you in good stead for starting the course.

• Alexander Miller’s Introduction to Contemporary Metaethics will be a very useful resource for this course. I’d highly recommend reading at least the introduction to prepare for week 1.

• In addition, we will be reading a chapter of Michael Smith’s The Moral Problem each week to guide our weekly discussions. Please read the introduction, at least, prior to week 1.