PHIL31060

Learning Outcomes:

Students who successfully complete this module should be able to:

* REFLECT critically upon debates in the history of ethics and the philosophical problems that continue to influence present-day debates in ethics;
* IDENTIFY key philosophical concepts and show awareness of potential problems that led to the revision and refinement of these concepts in the historical debates;
* INTERPRET philosophical texts that were written in the history of philosophy;
* WRITE well-structured and well argued essays that explain and critically assess philosophical views covered in this module;
* ARTICULATE their own responses to philosophical views, support them by reasons and defend them in light of criticism;
* INTERACT effectively and respectfully with other students, listen to and learn from others.

Indicative Module Content:

The module focuses on moral theories developed in eighteenth-century German and Scottish Enlightenment philosophy. Assigned readings will include selected texts by David Hume, Adam Smith, Sophie de Grouchy, Immanuel Kant, and Maria von Herbert. Topics covered will include philosophical debates concerning sentiments and empathy, rationality and duty, promise keeping, and race and racism.

Student Effort Hours:

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:

This module will give students the opportunity to actively engage with the module content during lectures and tutorials. We will regularly use class time for in-class learning activities that will allow students to acquire a deeper understanding of the readings and the core concepts and will provide opportunities to reflect critically upon the views we discuss. Some activities will be completed in teams. Lectures, tutorials, and learning activities will prepare students to write well-structured and well argued essays that explain and critically assess philosophical views covered in this module. Students will be given detailed guidance on essay writings and can improve their writing in light of feedback.

Students may use generative Al for completing written assignments for certain purposes only (e.g. correcting spelling, grammar, and punctuation) under the guidance of your module coordinator and within academic integrity guidelines. If students use generative AI, they are required to provide an appendix with copies of the entire conversation with generative AI (e.g. screenshots). Additionally, they are required to write a critical reflection on how generative AI was used in the preparation of the assignment and what was learned from the process.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.

Module Requisites and Incompatibles

Incompatibles:
PHIL30490 - History of Ethics


 

Assessment Strategy

 

Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Peer review activities

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Students will receive detailed feedback on the two essays communicated to each student, with feedback on the first essay received well before the second essay is due. Additionally, the short writing assignment gives students further opportunities to practice philosophical writings skills and students can receive peer feedback on the short writing assignment and improve it in light of peer feedback prior to formal submission.

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.