Overview

What does it mean for an action to be ‘wrong,’ and who decides? Can crime ever be truly immoral, or is the very concept of crime shaped by the values of the society that defines it? In this introductory module on ethics, we will explore the philosophical foundations of crime and punishment, questioning the moral principles that underpin the legal systems we live by. Are we morally justified in punishing those who break the law? Can acts like torture or capital punishment ever be ethically acceptable, or do they reveal deeper flaws in our understanding of justice?

Through a series of real-world case studies, we will examine how different ethical theories—such as utilitarianism, deontology, and virtue ethics—offer radically different answers to these questions. Is the goal of punishment to reform, deter, or punish? What does it mean to ‘correct’ someone’s moral failings, and is this possible?

This module will not only introduce you to the core ideas of ethical theory but will also challenge you to confront the moral complexity of real-world issues. You will be invited to critically engage with the fundamental question: How should we live together in society, and what role does morality play in shaping our collective choices? Prepare to question the boundaries between law and ethics, to reconsider the assumptions we make about right and wrong, and to explore whether there is such a thing as a truly moral punishment.

This module invites students to engage with the philosophical foundations of ethics in the context of crime and punishment. By exploring key moral theories, students will critically examine the ethical implications of law, justice, and societal responses to criminal behaviour. Through thought-provoking case studies and philosophical discussions, students will reflect on fundamental questions such as the nature of morality, the justification of punishment, and the role of ethics in shaping legal decisions.

The module encourages students to develop the ability to think critically and philosophically about real-world issues, engaging with ethical dilemmas that challenge our understanding of justice and fairness. Throughout the course, students will explore how different ethical frameworks inform our views on crime, punishment, and societal values, preparing them to analyse complex moral issues both inside and outside the classroom.

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -D- - D +. Submitted work is adequate and shows an acceptable level of competence as follows: •Generally accurate but with omissions and errors. •Assertions are made without clear supporting evidence or reasoning. •Has structure but is lacking in clarity and therefore relies on the reader to make links and assumptions. •Draws on a relatively narrow range of material.

-good -Very Good B- - B+. Submitted work is competent throughout and distinguished by superior style, approach and choice of supporting materials. It demonstrates: •Very good structure and logically developed arguments. • Draws on material that has been sourced and assessed as a result of independent study, or in a way unique to the student. • Assertions are backed by evidence and sound reasoning. • Accuracy and presentation in an appropriate academic style.

-excellent -A - - A*. Submitted work is of an outstanding quality and excellent in one or more of the following ways: •Has originality of exposition with the student’s own thinking being readily apparent. •Provides clear evidence of extensive and relevant independent study.  •Arguments are laid down with clarity and provide the reader with successive stages of consideration to reach conclusions.

-another level-Good C- - C +. •Submitted work is competent throughout and occasionally distinguished by superior style, approach and choice of supporting materials. It demonstrates:Good structure and logically developed arguments. • At least in parts draws on material that has been sourced and assessed as a result of independent study, or in a way unique to the student. • Assertions are, in the main, backed by evidence and sound reasoning. • Accuracy and presentation in an appropriate academic style.

Learning Outcomes

• To construct a sustained argument applicable to the content of this course.

• To be able to apply the ethical theories studied to a range of contemporary moral issues e.g. abortion and euthanasia.

• To be able to evaluate a range of moral theories.