Module overview
The aims of this module are to explore some central issues about the relationship between action, reason, and ethics. Questions we shall consider may include: What is an action? What is it to act intentionally? What are reasons for action? Do all, some, or none of our reasons depend on our desires? Do moral considerations necessarily provide reasons for action, or is there sometimes most reason to be immoral? What is it to act for the right reasons? What makes our actions worthy of praise or blame?
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- work effectively to deadlines.
- express views clearly and concisely.
- undertake independent work, including identifying and using appropriate resources.
- contribute to discussion in a critical but dispassionate way.
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- present ideas clearly and carefully.
- interpret, synthesise and criticise complex texts and positions.
- debate and criticise ideas and arguments in an even-handed fashion.
- articulate and defend your own views regarding the issues the module concerns.
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- demonstrate a solid grasp of the concepts and arguments that they involve
- demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the issues raised by some of the above questions
- Relate the issues you explore in this module to those in other relevant modules.
Syllabus
The syllabus for this module may vary from year to year. It may include topics such as:
- The nature of intentional action
- Reasons for action
- The relationship between morality and rationality
- The relationship between reasons and rationality
- Praiseworthiness and blameworthiness
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
- Contributing to class discussion
- Doing independent research for and writing assessed essays
Type | Hours |
---|---|
Lecture | 33 |
Follow-up work | 24 |
Revision | 23 |
Preparation for scheduled sessions | 24 |
Wider reading or practice | 23 |
Completion of assessment task | 23 |
Total study time | 150 |
Resources & Reading list
Textbooks
Julia Markovits (2014). Moral Reason. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Elijah Millgram (2002). Varieties of Practical Reasoning. MIT Press.
Nomy Arpaly (2002). Unprincipled Virtue. Oxford University Press.
Eric Wiland (2012). Reasons, Continuum.
Michael Smith (1994). The Moral Problem. Blackwell.
Assessment
Formative
This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.
Essay proposalSummative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Essay | 45% |
Assignment | 10% |
Essay | 45% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Timed Assignment | 100% |
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 |
---|---|
Assignment | 10% |
Essay | 45% |
Essay | 45% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External