PHL2150 - Ethics

Leader: Joachim Asscher, Ros Furney (Gippsland)

Offered

Caulfield First semester 2007 (Day)
Clayton First semester 2007 (Day)
Clayton First semester 2007 (Off-campus)
Clayton Second semester 2007 (Off-campus)
Clayton Summer semester A 2007 (Off-campus)
Gippsland First semester 2007 (Day)

Synopsis

Unit deals with some central debates in normative theory and their underpinning in the meta-ethical theories of Hume and Kant. A major focus of discussion is the opposition between consequentialist theories, such as utilitarianism, which judge rightness and wrongness solely in terms of consequences, and Kantian theory which judges rightness and wrongness according to whether the act is in accordance with rational will. How do these theories account for the agent-centred reasons which arise from relations of love and friendship and which seem to have the potential to conflict with impartial moral requirements? Is there a limit to our obligation to minimise suffering and maximise happiness.

Assessment

One exercise (750 words): 20%
Essay (1800 words): 40%
Examination (2 hour): 40%

Contact hours

2 hours (1 x 1 hour lecture and 1 x 1 hour tutorial) per week.

Prerequisites

6 points of first-year except with permission.