Detailed Information
This module will introduce students to the ways in which philosophers approach ethics, ethical concepts, ethical disagreement and ethical theories. In the first half, we will look at five central ethical concepts: obligation, responsibility, forgiveness, guilt and character. We will examine what these familiar concepts mean, what they assume, how they are used in ordinary situations, how two people might disagree about whether they apply in a certain situation. Where does ethical obligation come from, exactly? What is the difference between someone being responsible, someone taking responsibility, and someone being held responsible? If I forgive someone unconditionally, does this condone the wrong and show a lack of self-respect?
In the second half of the course we will begin by considering the following questions: are there irreducibly moral facts, or are moral facts really just facts about non-moral matters? Are there objective moral facts, or are moral facts always relative to an individual or group? We will then critically examine two competing moral theories: consequentialism, the view that whether an action is right or wrong ultimately depends on the consequences of the action; and deontological ethics, the view that whether an action is right or wrong ultimately depends on whether it conforms to ethical principles.
Semester 1
Lectures: Tuesdays 11:00 - 12:00 and Thursdays 12:00 - 13:00
Tutorials: To be selected
If you are taking this module for credit, please take note of the dates below:
Term dates for revision: Saturday, 1 December - Sunday, 9 December
Term dates for exams: Monday, 10 December – Friday, 21 December
Open Learning Fee (audit only) €350 per module
Open Learning Fee (with assessment) €500 per 5 credit module
Upgrading from audit to credit: You may upgrade from being an audit student to a credit student up to three weeks into term. Please note, however, that you can't change back to being an audit student - if you decide not to complete the assignments and/or sit the exams, this will appear on your academic record.
Concessions
There are no concessions available for Open Learning modules.
Refunds
Refunds may in some instances be available for extenuating circumstances, such as serious illness, within two weeks of the start of the module. Requests for refunds must be submitted in writing, with supporting docments where appropriate.
Dr Christopher Cowley