Module overview
In this module you will explore some major philosophical questions related to sex. We will begin by considering the nature of sex, discussing a range of theories of sex including the traditional view of sex as essentially connected to reproduction and “plain sex” theories that emphasise sexual pleasure. In the second section of the module, we will connect theories of sex to concrete issues in the ethics of sexual behaviour, discussing issues such as rape, monogamy and prostitution.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- express and debate ideas in writing, in an open minded and rigorous way.
- interpret, synthesise and criticise complex texts and positions.
- present views and arguments in a clear and engaging fashion.
- examine critically and dispassionately views which can appear provocative and contentious.
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- work effectively to deadlines.
- undertake, with adequate supervision, independent work, including identifying and using appropriate resources.
- convey ideas concisely and clearly .
- take notes from talks and written materials.
- think independently and support your views with arguments.
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- the topics in the ethics of sexual behaviour covered by the module (such as monogamy, homosexuality and paedophilia). You will be able to describe and assess the possible positions that might be taken on each issue, the core arguments for each view and the key objections.
- the key features of the theories of the nature of human sexuality covered by the module, the core arguments for each view and the key objections.
- how to relate these issues to issues in other areas of philosophy that you have studied, such as Ethics or Feminism.
Syllabus
The syllabus may vary from year to year. Topics might include:
- Theories of the nature of sex:
Can we pick out necessary and sufficient conditions for an act to count as sexual? What are the ethical implications of different ways of understanding sex?
- The ethics of sexual behaviour
We often choose a small selection of concrete issues or situations which raise issues of sexual ethics. Topics covered in the past have included: monogamy and polyamory, the ethics of prostitution and pornography and sexual objectification.
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Teaching methods include
- Lectures
- In-class discussion
- One-on-one consultation with module co-ordinator
Learning activities include
- Attending classes
- Contribution to class discussion
- Doing independent research for and writing assessed work
Type | Hours |
---|---|
Lecture | 33 |
Wider reading or practice | 30 |
Completion of assessment task | 29 |
Follow-up work | 29 |
Preparation for scheduled sessions | 29 |
Total study time | 150 |
Resources & Reading list
Textbooks
Alan Soble. The Philosophy of Sex: Contemporary Readings. Rowman & Littlefield.
Robert B. Baker, Kathleen Wininger and Frederick A. Elliston. Philosophy and Sex. Prometheus Books.
Igor Primoratz (1999). Ethics and Sex. Routledge.
Assessment
Formative
This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.
Draft pieceSummative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Essay | 85% |
Exercise | 15% |
Repeat
An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Resubmit assessments | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External