Overview

This topic is an introduction to the philosophical study of controversial moral issues. Topics studied may include animal rights, infanticide, genetic enhancement, the moral demands of world poverty, war, terrorism, and censorship, among others. Careful attention will be paid to the underlying conceptual assumptions of the field.

Topic availabilities

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Tuition pattern

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Aims

This topic aims to:

  • Introduce students to the underlying concepts of mainstream applied ethics, such as utility, rights, flourishing, autonomy and personhood, and to critical perspectives on these concepts
  • Introduce students to the application of these concepts to a number of controversial contemporary moral problems: e.g. animal rights, abortion and infanticide, euthanasia, war, terrorism, torture, affirmative action and censorship, among others
  • Acquaint students with some classic papers and arguments on these topics
  • Improve students' capacity for clear thinking and writing on philosophical topics

Learning outcomes

On completion of this topic you will be expected to be able to:
1.
Appraise the basic concepts of applied ethics, such as utility, rights, flourishing, autonomy and personhood, and to critical perspectives on these concepts
2.
Discuss the arguments applying these concepts to a number of controversial contemporary moral problems: e.g. animal rights, genetic enhancement, war, terrorism, moral demands of poverty, and censorship, among others
3.
Critique some classic papers and arguments on these topics

Assessments

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Current students should refer to FLO for detailed assessment information, including due dates. Assessment information is accurate at the time of publishing.

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