2024/25 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

IDEA5301M Reason, Virtues and Obligation

15 Credits Class Size: 30

Module manager: Dr Graham Bex-Priestley
Email: G.Bex-Priestley@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 Sep to 30 Nov View Timetable

Year running 2024/25

Module replaces

PHIL5210M

This module is not approved as an Elective

Objectives

To introduce central concepts and approaches in ethics and to provide a preliminary understanding of ideas which will continue to be considered and developed in relation to particular problems and issues through the programme.

On completion of this module, students should have an ability to:
- understand some of the central concepts involved in the study of ethics;
- evaluate critically some of the main theoretical approaches to ethics;
- apply this understanding to the development of thoughtful and well presented arguments which reflect their own critical engagement with the material studied.

Syllabus

Topics such as:
Reason and value; practical reasoning; virtues, choice and character; ought and must; obligation, rights and duties.

Teaching Methods

Delivery type Number Length hours Student hours
Seminar 8 2 16
Private study hours 134
Total Contact hours 16
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) 150

Private study

Detailed study of required readings plus advance preparation of discussion questions for seminars. Preparation of answers to set coursework assignment questions. Independent reading and research for the preparation of assessments.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Essay plan (300 words); Gobbet plans (2x 100 words).

Methods of Assessment

Coursework
Assessment type Notes % of formal assessment
Assignment x2 500 word Gobbets (mid-module) 40
Essay 2000 words (end of module) 60
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) 100

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading List

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 6/7/2024

Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team