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HomeStudent homeStudying at YorkManage your studiesProgrammes and modulesHeader - DPLv2

Ethics - PHI00007C

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Module summary

Whether you like or not, morality permeates your life. Be a good son or daughter and study hard. Be nice to you friends, they expect it. And, please, don’t do any of the things that might trigger a police investigation. Philosophy invites you to reflect on what goes unquestioned in everyday life. We will investigate the foundations of different moral theories, we look at axiology and meta-ethical debates, and we ask why we should do what, it seems, doesn’t make any difference when it comes to matters like climate change.

Module will run

Module aims

Articulate and explain the content of, and contrasts between, a range of normative
principles and theories.

• Understand what fuels meta-ethical debates and explain different meta-ethical views.
• Critically evaluate and assess a range of arguments and theses throughout meta-ethics, normative ethics and applied ethics.
• Develop a view about the impact and importance of philosophical reflection.

Module learning outcomes

By the end of this module, students should be able to:

• Articulate and explain some of the central debates and main positions in meta-ethics.
• Articulate and explain the content of, and contrasts between, a range of normative principles.
• Articulate and explain some of the most serious ethical challenges facing contemporary society, and then apply ethical theories to those challenges.
• Critically evaluate a range of arguments and theses throughout meta-ethics, normative ethics and applied ethics.

Module content

We will talk about, why, if at all, one should keep one’s promises. We will investigate meta-ethics, axiology and issues in ethical theory, like whether a harm (and its prevention) becomes more important the more people it would affect. We reflect on the rationale for climate change action and consider different views concerning our relationship with animals.

Indicative assessment

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Module feedback

All formative and summative feedback will be returned in accordance with University and Departmental policy.

Indicative reading

A collection of online readings will be made available, including all the essential texts for lectures and seminars. A variety of material, both contemporary and historical, will be covered.