Philosophy and The Good Life

Overview

This module is intended as an introduction to moral philosophy, presupposing no prior acquaintance with the subject. In the first half of the module, we start by considering the nature and methods of moral philosophy before considering a number of central issues in the subject, including the nature of well-being, the relation between self-interest and morality, and competing accounts of morality proposed by utilitarianism and deontological ethics. In the second half of the module, we then use some of the theoretical insights gained in the first half of the module to exam some real-world

problems, including abortion, animal rights, poverty, freedom of speech, and racism and affirmative action.

Learning Objectives

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to demonstrate knowledge of a number of theories in moral philosophy; explain the relevance of these theories to some key issues in applied ethics; converse and write with critical authority about the ideas of a number of important philosophers; demonstrate the principles of sound and effective reasoning and argument; show tolerance for different and challenging ideas.

Skills

Students should develop skills in literacy, analysis, and communication, and the ability to comprehend and develop clear and extended arguments.

Assessment

None