Overview
Contemporary ethical theory: What is meaning in life? What is a just society? We seek the best philosophical answers to these questions.
In this paper you will answer two philosophical questions. First: what does it take for action to be right or to be wrong? Second: what does it take to have meaning in one’s life?
About this paper
| Paper title | Ethics (Advanced) |
|---|---|
| Subject | Philosophy |
| EFTS | 0.1500 |
| Points | 18 points |
| Teaching period | Semester 1 (On campus) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) | $1,103.10 |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- Prerequisite
- One 200-level PHIL paper
- Restriction
- PHIL 211, PHIL 228
- Schedule C
- Arts and Music
- Contact
- More information link
View more information on the Philosophy programme's website.
- Teaching staff
Course Co-ordinator and lecturer(s): to be confirmed
- Paper Structure
The course introduces and evaluates different comprehensive ethical theories, including deontological, utilitarian, and virtue theories. It includes frequent references to pressing issues, such as: moral standing; moral agency; instrumental and complete goods; impartiality; and personal identity.
- Teaching Arrangements
Three one-hour classes per week, which are typically interactive seminars rather than lectures.
- Textbooks
Textbooks are not required for this paper.
- Graduate Attributes Emphasised
Lifelong learning, Scholarship, Communication, Critical thinking, Ethics, Research, Self-motivation.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.- Learning Outcomes
The goals of the paper are:
- student understanding of basic issues about meaning in life, and what makes acts right or wrong
- student understanding and critical engagement on a promising answer to each of these issues, shown through one verbal presentation and two research essays - one on meaning in life and the other on what makes acts right or wrong
- capability to present and engage with philosophical ideas about meaning in life, and what makes acts right or wrong, shown through a short presentation; and by engaging with others' work in PHIL228 and 328