PHIL30490 History of Ethics: Eighteenth Century

Academic Year 2020/2021

In this module we will study important moral theories that were developed in eighteenth-century Scottish and German Enlightenment philosophy. The module will focus on philosophical debates concerning the role of sentiments and empathy, rationality and duty, promise keeping, and race and racism. You will be invited to critically reflect and engage with the views of the philosophers that we study and search for your own answers to their questions.

We will discuss questions such as the following: What role do emotions and reason play in moral judgements and interaction? How do feelings of others impact myself and my interaction with others? Are feelings morally significant? Can actions done out of self-interest be moral? Is there a fundamental principle that grounds morality? Can it be ever morally permissible to break a promise? In what, if any sense, are we free to act? What kind of freedom is required for moral action? What is race? What is racism?

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Curricular information is subject to change

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, 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: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

24
Tutorial

8
Autonomous Student Learning

93
Total

125
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. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Assignment: Short assignment, which focuses on essay writings skills Varies over the Trimester n/a Graded No

10
Continuous Assessment: Short quizzes and other learning activities that focus on understanding of content and developing philosophical skills with the aim of preparing students for longer assignments. Throughout the Trimester n/a Graded No

15
Essay: Mid-term Essay Unspecified n/a Graded No

35
Essay: Final Essay Coursework (End of Trimester) n/a Graded No

40

Carry forward of passed components
No
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Summer No
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.