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PHIL41510

Academic Year 2024/2025

Ethics in Public Life (PHIL41510)

Subject:
Philosophy
College:
Social Sciences & Law
School:
Philosophy
Level:
4 (Masters)
Credits:
10
Module Coordinator:
Assoc Professor Danielle Petherbridge
Trimester:
Autumn
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

Should we be permitted to say whatever we want, whenever we want on social media? Or should our freedom of expression be restricted? Are interferences with other people’s decisions regarding their well-being or careers ever justified? Which responsibilities do scientific experts have towards society?
This module will introduce students to contemporary ethical challenges concerning freedom of speech, freedom of action, and ethics of expertise. In the first part of the module, we will analyse challenges concerning freedom of speech and freedom of action. Topics covered will include the moral dimension of trust, the role of respect and toleration in public debates, and the tension between freedom of action and paternalism. We will discuss these topics through specific case studies, such as mandatory vaccinations and sex work. In the second part of the module, we will focus on the ethics of expertise. We will explore what it means to be an expert in the current society, and we will discuss a range of issues, such as the social responsibility of scientists, ethical decision-making in the face of uncertainty, and the ethics of technology.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of the course students will have a grasp of the some of the most important theoretical frameworks for our ethical thinking. They will be able to construct their own lines of argument concerning these frameworks. They will be able to critically assess some of the most important contributions to these debates in the philosophical literature. They will have an understanding of how these frameworks are applied in practical contexts. They will have a detailed understanding of the issues involved in thinking abput a range of practical ethical issues.

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Seminar (or Webinar)

24
Autonomous Student Learning

226
Total

250

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Two-hour seminars with lecturer presentation, student presentation and class participation.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to 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
Participation in Learning Activities: Presentation in Class on a designated date. One presentation for each participant on one selected week. Week 2, Week 3, Week 4, Week 5, Week 6, Week 7, Week 8, Week 9, Week 10, Week 11, Week 12 Graded No

15

 No
Assignment(Including Essay): First Essay Week 8 Graded Yes

25

 Yes
Assignment(Including Essay): Final Essay Week 14 Graded Yes

60

 Yes

Carry forward of passed components
No
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Verbal feedback on individual presentations and to the class giving general advice after the first essay. Comments and grade provided on first essay within two weeks of submission and comments and grade provided on final essay at the end of the module.

Name Role
Dr Silvia Ivani Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Assoc Professor Danielle Petherbridge Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
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