Overview

We will firstly examine the major differences between philosophical and religious ethics, asking whether humanity needs God in order to be moral. We shall then question what makes an action right or wrong, exploring a range of normative ethical theories, such as, consequentialism, deontology and virtue ethics, before applying these theories to a range of contemporary issues such as whether it is wrong to eat meat or whether terrorism can ever be considered moral.

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.