PHI2003 : Ethics and the Modern World
PHI2003 : Ethics and the Modern World
- Offered for Year: 2024/25
- Module Leader(s): Dr Ida Djursaa
- Lecturer: Professor David Rose
- Owning School: School X
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 10 |
| Semester 2 Credit Value: | 10 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Pre-requisite
Modules you must have done previously to study this module
Pre Requisite Comment
At least one of the above or another 20 credit stage 1 Philosophical Studies module required
Co-Requisite
Modules you need to take at the same time
Co Requisite Comment
N/A
Aims
To introduce students to the foundations, fundamental themes and development of modern ethical thinking from the Enlightenment to the present day and to demonstrate the relevance of ethical theory to contemporary moral debates.
This module offers an accessible introduction to the most important sources, ideas and problems in modern ethical theory with particular attention to egoism, utilitarianism and Continental ethical theory. Seminar time will also be devoted to applying many of the theories to contemporary social problems chosen from topics such as war, famine, animal rights, the environment and genetics.
Outline Of Syllabus
We shall supply the theoretical groundwork for looking at ethical issues by introducing and interrogating principal modern ethical positions from thinkers such as Hobbes, Smith, Kant, Hegel and Mill, as well as more contemporary thinkers such as MacIntyre and Vattimo. The theories will be used to consider the problems of moral luck, determinism and moral scepticism and to interrogate contemporary ethical issues such as plagiarism, intellectual property, digital ownership and objectification.
Learning Outcomes
Intended Knowledge Outcomes
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
- identify the basic positions and ideas of the ethical theories of modernity;
- identify the specific ideas of and problems with at least three moral thinkers/theories;
- relate these theories to ethical issues in contemporary society.
Intended Skill Outcomes
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
- critically assess at least three ethical positions;
- orally and verbally express the significance and relevance of moral thinking to issues in contemporary society;
- think analytically about moral issues and problems.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 16 | 1:00 | 16:00 | N/A |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 40:00 | 40:00 | Essay preparation and completion |
| Structured Guided Learning | Structured research and reading activities | 20 | 1:00 | 20:00 | Specific research or reading activities developed and directed by academic staff |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 16 | 1:00 | 16:00 | Tutorials |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Workshops | 4 | 1:00 | 4:00 | N/A |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 104:00 | 104:00 | Review lecture material, prepare for small group teaching and assessment |
| Total | 200:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
Lectures will introduce students to the leading ethical theories of modernity. Students will also be taught how such theories can illuminate current ethical debates and discussion time will be inserted so students can develop the skill of applying these theories in order to enlighten current debates.
Reading Lists
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | 1 | A | 50 | 2000 word essay |
| Essay | 2 | A | 50 | 2000 word essay |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The first essay is one out of six standard topics whereas the second can be designed by the student with the tutor’s help and approval. This makes it possible to assess knowledge acquisition, interpretative skill and theoretical understanding as well as the analytic and critical abilities of the student. The essays test the ability to think creatively, self-critically and independently as well as managing one’s own work to set time limits. This assessment method also gauges the students’ ability to move between generalisation and appropriately detailed discussion, and to cite relevant texts and interpret them adequately.
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- PHI2003's Timetable
Past Exam Papers
- Exam Papers Online : www.ncl.ac.uk/exam.papers/
- PHI2003's past Exam Papers
General Notes
Original Handbook text:
Welcome to Newcastle University Module Catalogue
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Disclaimer
The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2024 academic year.
In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described.
Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Module information for the 2025/26 entry will be published here in early-April 2025. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.