Moral Philosophy in a Globalised Society

This module introduces a distinction between ethics and morals, which it explores in order to shed light on the moral problems encountered with globalisation, in particular immigration, which brings the globalised world home to us. It defines ethics as ?what we think it is appropriate to do?, and sets out to investigate the various elements of this definition by examining action-theory (what it is to do something), value-theory (what it is to consider something appropriate) and political- or community theory (who ?we? are). Authors studied include Thomas Aquinas, Hannah Arendt, Jürgen Habermas and Edith Stein. The aim is to discuss how moral philosophy, which concerns what is right or good, can help us address the problems associated with creating a common world for contemporary, pluralist societies.

Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of the module, students should be able to:
-Critically discuss the definitions of ethics and moral philosophy proposed.
-Discuss the ethical and moral problems arising from globalisation, in particular the problems associated with immigration.
-Discuss the meaning of ?value?, ?motivation?, ?valuation?, ?rationality? and ?justification? in the light of the texts studied in the module.
-Discuss the role of values in the formation and understanding of personalities and communities.
-Discuss whether there is such a thing as moral rationality and in what it would consist.
-Discuss the relationship between nation and state and its importance for the ethical problem studied.
-Discuss the status of Human Rights.

Teaching & Learning methods:
24 lecture hours (12 weeks x 2 lecture hours per week); 3 tutorial hours (x 4 tutorial groups); directed reading, reflection, discussion and writing.

Assessment:
Continuous Assessment detail(s): 5% = Attendance at Tutorials. 15% = Presentation 20% = Tutorial Essay-Assignment (c. 1,000 words) 60% = Final Essay-Assignment (c. 2,000 words).