Philosophy: life, death and morality
Aubrey Townsend and others
6 points
* 3 hours per week
* First semester
*
Caulfield/Peninsula
Objectives On successfully completing the subject, students should have achieved a critical understanding of some main theoretical approaches to the resolution of contentious moral issues, and will have thought out their own views on several moral issues of importance in the contemporary world. They will also have acquired a vocabulary for the critical appraisal of arguments and a sensitivity to the appropriate standards of rigour in philosophical and ordinary discourse.
Synopsis The subject is made up of two components. (i) `Reason and argument'. This part of the subject will be concerned with the appraisal of reasons and arguments that may be used in defence of various beliefs and policies. Its objective is to develop skills in argument and critical reasoning. (ii) `Moral issues'. This part of the subject will examine some major controversies concerning life and death issues. The content will be similar to that for the `Contemporary moral issues' component of PHL1010.
Assessment For (i), three exercises and a test: 33%
* For (ii), an
essay, two exercises and a test: 66%
Prescribed texts
Singer P Practical ethics 2nd edn, CUP, 1993
Recommended texts
Glover J Causing death and saving lives Penguin
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