Module: PET4001-20 Ethics and Values

Level: 4

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Paul Reid-Bowen

Module Tutor Contact Details: P.Reid-Bowen@bathspa.ac.uk

1. Brief description and aims of module:

This module introduces you to a number of principles of ethical analysis and explores some core concepts, debates and arguments in the fields of ethics and political philosophy. The module promotes reflection on such questions as what is an ethical action, how ought one live, and what is a good or just society? A selection of philosophical approaches is considered as a means of developing an awareness of the diverse responses to these questions, for example: contractualism, deontology, utilitarianism and virtue ethics. Furthermore, a range of concepts in ethics and political philosophy are examined, for example: moral realism, relativism and nihilism, compassion and sentiment, war and peace, human rights, and the social contract. The primary aim of the module is to allow you to pursue some challenging and exciting questions about the nature of ethics, politics and values.

This module aims to:

develop skills in systematic ethical analysis and the construction of valid arguments;

encourage you to critically examine your own pre-suppositions and explore unfamiliar methods of thinking;

investigate the conceptual resources available in a range of ethical and political philosophical systems, including pre-modern, modern, and non-western;

foster an understanding of the cross-cultural complexity and diversity of ethical concepts, systems and traditions.

2.Outline syllabus

The module introduces some core concepts, debates and arguments in the fields of ethics and political philosophy, for example:

An introduction to meta-ethical concepts and questions, such as whether morals and values exist objectively, subjectively, or in some other sense?

An introduction to some of the main theories of normative ethics and how one ought to act, such as:

-        consequentialist and utilitarian theories

-        deontological and duty-based theories

-        virtue and agent-based theories

An examination and analysis of some key ethical and political concepts, such as: equality, human rights, justice, liberty, the social contract, sovereignty and anarchy, war and peace.

An examination and analysis of possible connections between being moral, living well and the good society.

Embedded within the module is an introduction to methods and tools of ethical analysis and evaluation. These tools can be utilised effectively in academic assignments and seminars but they also have lasting value in life and work beyond university.

3.Teaching and learning activities

Teaching and Learning is centred on a weekly two hour lecture and two hour seminars. During the lecture you will be introduced to key concepts, debates and theories in ethics and political philosophy as well as being presented with methods and tools of analysis and argument. The seminars are either student-centred or student-led and you will have the opportunity to discuss, clarify and analyse concepts and arguments introduced in the lectures in some depth. The seminars are also the venue for the assessed group presentations. The presentations are a significant part of the assessment of the module and provide you with the opportunity to develop and practise some valuable philosophical and employability skills (e.g. explaining complex ideas verbally, debating and defending an argument, interacting and working effectively with others).

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: Presentation (equiv. 2000 words)

• % Weighting: 50%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: Essay (2000 words)

• % Weighting: 50%