What Ought I Do? A History of Ethical Thought

 

Gellir astudio ‘What Ought I Do? A History of Ethical Thought' fel cwrs annibynnol ym Mhrifysgol Aberystwyth.  

Ffeithiau Allweddol 

 

Iaith: Saesneg

Hyd: 10 Wythnos

Nifer y Credydau: 10

Tiwtor: Rory Kent

Dull Dysgu: Ar-lein

Lefel: Mae’r modiwl hwn ar Lefel 4 FfCCH

Cod Modiwl: XE17310

Ffi:  £130.00 - Cynllun Hepgor Ffioedd

Gellir archebu lle ar y cwrs yma.

 

Overview

This module explores the history of ethical thought, focusing largely on the 'Western' philosophical tradition, addressing fundamental questions about morality and human action. Students will examine key philosophical traditions, including virtue ethics, deontology, utilitarianism, and meta-ethics. Over the course of 10 weeks, learners will have an overview of influential thinkers such as Aristotle, Kant, and Mill, as well as some ethical perspectives from non-Western traditions, such as Daoism. By the end of the module, students will have developed critical skills to analyse and apply ethical theories to contemporary moral dilemmas, as well as foundational philosophical reading, writing, and presentation skills.

Programme

During the course, leaner will study the following:

• Introduction to Ethics: What is morality? The foundations of ethical inquiry.
• Virtue Ethics: Aristotle’s concept of eudaimonia and the virtues of character.
• Deontological Ethics: Kantian ethics and the categorical imperative.
• Utilitarianism: Bentham and Mill’s consequentialist approach.
• Meta-Ethics: The nature of moral language and the is-ought problem.
• Non-Western Ethics: Daoist perspectives on virtue and harmony.
• Applied Ethics: Contemporary moral issues such as bioethics and environmental ethics.
• Ethical Dilemmas: Case studies and thought experiments in moral philosophy.

Learning Outcomes

  1. Demonstrate an understanding of key ethical theories and their historical development.
  2. Critically analyse and compare different moral philosophies.
  3. Apply ethical theories to real-world moral dilemmas.
  4. Engage in reflective discussion about the implications of ethical thought for contemporary society.

Assessments

  1. Presentation - 40%
  2. Philosophical Essay - 60%

Reading Suggestions

Reading suggestions will be offered throughout the course. 

Entry Requirements

This course is for everyone. No previous experience is needed and there are no formal entry requirements.

What Do I Need?

As this is an online course, you would need the following:

  • Internet access
  • Access to a laptop or computer with a web camera and microphone; the use of headphones might also be of benefit
  • Use of the Chrome web-browser where possible.