PHIL3601 Moral Philosophy

2016

4.5

1 x 2-hour seminar weekly

9 units of topics

PHIL2110 has been successfully completed

As a third-year level topic in the Philosophy major sequence, this topic assumes a familiarity with the kind of knowledge, conceptual understanding and skill that would be acquired by completion of at least 9 units of second-year level topics from the Philosophy major sequence.

This topic examines questions about the nature of morality.

The topic is divided into the following four parts;

Motivation: What motive do we have for acting morally? Do we only act morally reluctantly?

Reason: Are moral reasons in some sense a rational requirement on action? Can we be motivated to act at all in the absence of the particular contingent sentiments, desires or interests we happen to possess?

Virtue: Is morality properly explained in terms of human virtue or excellence of character? In what sense are we required to act as morality indicates?

Truth: Does morality have an objective basis? Do moral judgments admit of being true or false?

This topic aims to:

• introduce students to key issues in contemporary moral philosophy with a specific focus on issues in meta-ethics and moral psychology

• introduce students to some key historical texts in moral philosophy relevant for to the issues noted above

• help students improve their reasoning skills by helping them to make careful distinctions between issues and pay very close attention to arguments

In undertaking this topic students should:

• acquire knowledge of central issues in meta-ethics and moral psychology and of ways of dealing with those issues

• acquire a familiarity with some classic texts

• improve their critical reading and reasoning skills, both in verbal form and in writing