Overview
A detailed examination of issues in applied philosophy drawn from ethics, political philosophy, philosophy of artificial intelligence, philosophy of religion, environmental philosophy, or social epistemology.
After a discussion of some key topics in contemporary political philosophy, the paper deals with two controversial issues: conspiracy theories and indigenous rights. Are conspiracy theories as such intellectually suspect? What about the theory that Big Oil conspired to minimise the effects of Climate Change? We’ll also look at some fundamental theories and issues in philosophical ethics, using Colin McGinn’s discussions of moral philosophy and literary criticism as our starting point.
About this paper
| Paper title | Advanced Problems in Applied Philosophy |
|---|---|
| Subject | Philosophy |
| EFTS | 0.2500 |
| Points | 30 points |
| Teaching period | Semester 2 (On campus) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) | $2,090.50 |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- Prerequisite
- 36 PHIL points at 200-level or above
- Eligibility
The paper is designed for honours students in philosophy.
- Contact
- More information link
View more information on the Philosophy Programme's website
- Teaching staff
Professor Charles Pigden and Professor Alex Miller
- Paper Structure
Philosophy of Conspiracy Theories, touching on Popper, Pigden and the cock-up theory of history and the fact that people frequently conspire.
Philosophical Ethics, discussing the nature of character and evil and how literary fiction (in particular Melville, Nabokov, Wilde and Mary Shelley) may help us understand their role in moral philosophy.
Assessments comprise of presentations and essays.
- Teaching Arrangements
Two 2-hour classes each week.
- Textbooks
Set Texts:
Coady, David ed (2006). Conspiracy Theories: the Philosophical Debate, Routledge (paperback).
McGinn, Colin. Ethics, Evil and Fiction (Oxford University Press 1997)
Recommended Texts:
Hagen, Kurtis (2006). Conspiracy Theories: the Failure of Intellectual Critique, University of Michigan Press.
Note: Reading material will be supplied.
- Graduate Attributes Emphasised
- Interdisciplinary perspective, Ethics, Research.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes. - Learning Outcomes
- Understand and communicate key concepts in applied philosophy.
- Demonstrate familiarity, and critically engage with key philosophical works in applied philosophy.
- Work in team-based learning groups with the opportunity to engage in constructive discussions and collaborative workflow.
- Understand key debates in applied philosophy.