PHL3350

Moral psychology

Jeanette Kennett

8 points
* 2 hours per week
* Second semester
* Clayton
* Prerequisites: PHL2150 and another eight-point second-year philosophy subject

Objectives When you have successfully completed this subject you should have a sophisticated understanding of the philosophical implications implicit in our ordinary practices of treating each other as responsible for our actions. You should also have developed an appreciation of how the rival views of human psychology presented in the subject underpin philosophical explanations of, and scepticism about, commonplace moral phenomena such as weakness of will and compulsion.

Synopsis What assumptions do we need to make about our deliberative capacities, and hence about human psychology, in order to make sense of ourselves as moral agents? Are all of these assumptions plausible? We will draw out and examine the philosophical implications of ordinary assumptions about freedom of action, reasons for action, moral responsibility and moral failure.

Assessment Two essays (3000 words each): 50% each
* One essay may optionally be replaced by a 3-hour examination

Prescribed texts

Watson G (ed.) Free will OUP
A collection of readings available from the department and on reserve in the Sir Louis Matheson Library