PP3CMP-Current Moral Philosophy

Module Provider: Philosophy
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Dr Luke Elson
Email: luke.elson@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

Unlike many areas of study, ethics (moral philosophy) doesn’t get ‘out of date’: Aristotle’s views about ethics are still taken seriously. In this module we’ll look at some current debates in ethics, roughly focusing on material published in the last 20 years. These debates could be totally new, or they could be current takes and debates about much older issues (such as Aristotle’s ethics).

Aims:

The programme of study in Philosophy is specifically designed to introduce you to progressive intellectual challenges and to consolidate your previous experience at each new level. This module fits into our graduated, supervised programme for developing independent-learning skills. It builds on our Part 2 provision, in particular by: introducing you to some current thoughts on ethical issues. You will see how many of the topics you may have considered in your earlier modules are discussed in contemporary/cutting-edge philosophical research. You’ll use the skills you have developed (such as independently reading and assessing philosophical argumentation) to understand and assess the recently-published philosophical work.

Assessable learning outcomes:

To read, understand and evaluate the different positions in some contemporary debates in moral philosophy.

By the end of this module, you will be able to read some professional-level research pieces in ethics. You will be able to explain how philosophers thinkers we have considered differ on particular topics, explain their arguments, and evaluate those arguments.

Additional outcomes:

You will gain a sense of what the current ‘live’ debates are in ethics, and how they differ from some of the ‘classic’ issues that your other modules likely focused on. This should help with any philosophy dissertation or independent learning module, whether in ethics or not.

Outline content:

Over the teaching weeks, we will cover between two and five (depending on their size) topics, selected from current issues in metaethics, normative ethics, and applied ethics.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The module is taught by lectures and seminars. Students are expected to attend 30 hours of classes during the term in which the module is taught. All students are required to write two essays from lists of questions supplied by the module convenor. The essay assignments will be due (1) in week 5, and (2) at the end of the term in which the module is taught. Students will be expected to read the core reading for each class, and are encouraged to be active in all classes, asking questions and t rying to answer the questions posed by others. A reading list will be given out at the start of the course.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	20
Seminars	10
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)	40
Wider reading (directed)	90
Essay preparation	30
Reflection	10
Total hours by term	200	0	0
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Two written assignments (essays or similar), one in week 5 and one in week 11. Essay lengths are standardised across philosophy.

Assignment 1 - 35%

Assignment 2 - 65%

Formative assessment methods:

Optional presentations in classes, and feedback on work in ‘essay prep’ sessions.

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

40% overall mark.

Reassessment arrangements:

Written assignment, to be completed in August/September. 

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Last updated: 30 March 2023