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PHIL31070

Academic Year 2024/2025

Aristotle: Ethics & Politics (PHIL31070)

Subject:
Philosophy
College:
Social Sciences & Law
School:
Philosophy
Level:
3 (Degree)
Credits:
10
Module Coordinator:
Dr Tim Crowley
Trimester:
Autumn
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

Aristotle's 'Nicomachean Ethics' and 'Politics' are masterpieces of moral and political philosophy, and remain of great interest and influence today. As Aristotle sees it, ethics and politics are both concerned with the same thing: the pursuit of happiness. In the 'Nicomachean Ethics' he is concerned with identifying what an individual's happiness consists in, while in the 'Politics' he attempts to identify which political system will best promote the happiness of each citizen. In this module we will examine the key doctrines that Aristotle argues for in these seminal texts. Aristotle's work will be examined in its appropriate historical and philosophical context, in particular in relation to his great predecessors, Socrates and Plato.
Every student of philosophy should have the opportunity to read and study the 'Nicomachean Ethics'; it is a classic philosophical text, taught in every respectable philosophy department in the world. By looking also at the 'Politics', we will get a complete view on what Aristotle himself called 'the Philosophy of Human Life'.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of the module diligent students should be able to: understand and interpret critically key passages of the Nicomachean Ethics and the Politics in English translation; identify, understand, and explain in detail the key features and principles of Aristotle's practical philosophy; explain and critically evaluate Aristotle's arguments in defence of his ethical and political conclusions; explain and assess Aristotle's criticisms of rival ethical views; discern and clarify the psychological and metaphysical presumptions that influence Aristotle's practical philosophy; display a familiarity with Ancient Greek ethics in general; appreciate the continuing influence of Aristotelian practical philosophy in modern philosophy and political theory.

Indicative Module Content:

Aristotle; Ethics; Moral Philosophy; Political Philosophy; Greek Philosophy.

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Autonomous Student Learning

166
Lectures

24
Tutorial

10
Total

200

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Two lectures per week, supplemented by tutorials.

The lectures will involve the lecturer introducing the work of Aristotle on ethics and politics and examining his arguments and the issues that arise. The tutorials are where students may develop their understanding, led by an experienced tutor who will typically be a PhD student working in the area. One essay will be required during the term.
The use of Generative AI in the preparation and writing of any assessed work is not permitted.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Incompatibles:
PHIL30590 - Aristotle: Ethics & Politics


 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Assignment(Including Essay): Essay Week 9 Graded No
35
 No
Exam (In-person): End of Term exam End of trimester
Duration:
2 hr(s)
 Graded No
65
 No

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring 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?

Written and oral feedback on essays and assignments provided by lecturer and tutors.

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12 Mon 10:00 - 10:50
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12 Wed 10:00 - 10:50
Autumn Tutorial Offering 1 Week(s) - 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12 Wed 15:00 - 15:50
Autumn Tutorial Offering 2 Week(s) - 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12 Thurs 11:00 - 11:50
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