Module overview
The Philosophy of Value offers students the opportunity to explore in detail some central issues and texts in the Western philosophical tradition that address questions in the philosophy of value broadly construed (i.e. including ethics, aesthetics, political philosophy, etc.). The module may focus on an important text, or on a body of significant literature.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- write a clear and well-structured overview of the main issues, possible problems and solutions relevant to topic being examined
- manage the time and resources available to you in order to achieve success in the above tasks
- critically assess the cogency and success of proposed solutions
- engage in group discussion, making and taking constructive criticism
- summarise the central themes, questions, problems and solutions related to that topic
- present the outcome of your research orally in a seminar context
- research a complex topic independently
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- the central themes, problems and arguments in the texts studied
- the relationship between the different texts studied, where appropriate.
- how to undertake independent research appropriate to the production of an assessed essay
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- understand complex philosophical texts. This involves: - identifying the central themes and problems in a philosophical text - identifying main views and solutions offered by the authors - identifying authors’ arguments in support of the above
- critically assess complex philosophical texts. This involves: - identifying and explaining solutions to the philosophical questions and problems proposed in the central texts - assessing the cogency and success of the above - identifying and explaining other possible solutions and assessing their relative merits
- articulate, present and debate philosophical ideas, both orally and in writing, in an open-minded but rigorous way
Syllabus
The syllabus will vary from year to year, depending on the research interests of the module coordinator. Some recent topics include:
- Kant's Critique of Judgment
- T.M. Scanlon's What We Owe To Each Other
- The Nature and Norms of Blame
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Teaching activities include
- Seminars
Learning activities include
- Reading assigned material
- Attending seminars and contributing to discussion
- Preparing and giving presentations
- Doing research for and writing assessed essays
Type | Hours |
---|---|
Completion of assessment task | 25 |
Seminar | 20 |
Preparation for scheduled sessions | 40 |
Wider reading or practice | 25 |
Follow-up work | 40 |
Total study time | 150 |
Resources & Reading list
General Resources
Resources. Module tutors will recommend a range of secondary literature in light of the primary texts selected.
Assessment
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Presentation | 20% |
Essay | 80% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External