SE4103: Moral and Political Philosophy

School Philosophy
Department Code ENCAP
Module Code SE4103
External Subject Code 100337
Number of Credits 20
Level L4
Language of Delivery English
Module Leader Professor Jonathan Webber
Semester Double Semester
Academic Year 2013/4

Outline Description of Module

Through careful study of recent philosophical arguments on such moral and political issues as euthanasia, abortion, the treatment of animals, gender roles and relations, the nature of justice, capital punishment, economic development, and nuclear deterrence, we will isolate and discuss the argument structures and philosophical assumptions made in these debates. Students will develop their skills of analysing texts, reconstructing arguments, and developing their own critiques of those arguments. No prior knowledge of philosophy is required. Students will find any existing knowledge significantly broadened, deepened, and challenged by our emphasis on reading original contributions to debates rather than explanations of those debates.

On completion of the module a student should be able to

To introduce contemporary moral and political philosophical principles and argumentation through studying a range of academic debates over particular issues of contemporary social relevance.

To develop analytical and argumentative skills through isolating key arguments in articles written for an academic audience and constructing careful critiques of those arguments.

To prepare students for the challenges of studying philosophy at degree level.

To develop the intellectual skills of reading, analysing, critiquing, discussing, and writing, which are central to all Arts and Humanities degree programmes, to most graduate employment, and to getting the best out of life in general.

How the module will be delivered

Twenty lectures (one per week) and ten seminars (one per fortnight). Two coursework essays are required of not more than 2000 words each, which are individually returned.

Skills that will be practised and developed

At the end of this module students should be able to:

demonstrate knowledge and understanding of a range of debates in contemporary moral and political philosophy;

analyse academic philosophical writings to isolate, formulate, and critique the arguments they employ;

construct original philosophical arguments;

communicate analyses, critiques, and arguments orally and in writing.

How the module will be assessed

A three-hour unseen written examination (in which students will be expected to answer three questions) will count for 50% of the assessment. You will also complete two pieces of coursework weighted at 25% each.

Assessment Breakdown

Type % Title Duration(hrs)
Exam - Spring Semester 50 Moral And Political Philosophy 3
Written Assessment 25 Coursework N/A
Written Assessment 25 Coursework N/A

Syllabus content

Through careful study of recent philosophical arguments about such moral and political issues as euthanasia, abortion, gender roles and relations, the treatment of animals, the nature of justice, capital punishment, economic development, and nuclear deterrence, we will isolate and discuss the argument structures and philosophical assumptions made in these debates. Students will develop their skills of analysing texts, reconstructing arguments, and developing their own critiques of those arguments. No prior knowledge of philosophy is required. Students will find any existing knowledge significantly broadened, deepened, and challenged by our emphasis on reading original contributions to debates rather than explanations of those debates.

Essential Reading and Resource List

 Peter Singer (ed), Applied Ethics (Oxford University Press, 1986).

John Cottingham (ed), Western Philosophy: An Anthology, second edition (Wiley Blackwell, 2007).


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