PY1901 Morality and Human Nature

Academic year

2023 to 2024 Semester 2

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

20

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 7

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Availability restrictions

Only available to those enrolling on the MA Combined Studies or already enrolled on the MA/BSc General degree taken in the evening.

Planned timetable

Wed 6.30 - 9.30 pm

This information is given as indicative. Timetable may change at short notice depending on room availability.

Module Staff

Team taught

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

This module will address aspects of what it is to be human, and to be a moral agent confronted with particular moral issues in the world. We will consider how aspects of our human nature have a bearing on the nature of moral agency and moral responsibility (e.g. by exploring issues of personal identity and free will), as well as considering some pressing moral problems (such as life-and-death issues like euthanasia and abortion; and issues arising from obligations we have to others - human or nonhuman). This module will provide a useful and stimulating introduction to some of the core questions of philosophy, from metaphysics to ethics.

Relationship to other modules

Anti-requisites

YOU CANNOT TAKE THIS MODULE IF YOU TAKE PY1103 OR TAKE PY1105 OR TAKE PY1801 OR TAKE PY1011

Assessment pattern

Coursework = 100%

Re-assessment

1 or more essays totaling no more than 4,500 words

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

1 x 2.5 hour session: lectures and tutorials.

Scheduled learning hours

33

The number of compulsory student:staff contact hours over the period of the module.

Guided independent study hours

167

The number of hours that students are expected to invest in independent study over the period of the module.

Intended learning outcomes

  • Understand various perspectives on human nature, the practice of moral theorising, and particular moral questions.
  • Assess and evaluate arguments put forward in favour of, and against, various moral claims.
  • Articulate their own views on moral issues.
  • Provide a rational defence of their views in written work and in discussion.