Module overview
This module will explore some central issues about rationality, responsibility, and ethics. Questions we shall consider may include: What is it to act? Are all actions motivated by desire? Do we act only in pursuit of what we deem good? What is involved in acting rationally, or for a good reason? 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? When does ignorance excuse?
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- express views clearly and concisely.
- contribute to discussion in a critical but dispassionate way.
- undertake independent work, including identifying and using appropriate resources.
- work effectively to deadlines.
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- interpret, synthesise and criticise complex texts and positions.
- debate and criticise ideas and arguments in an even-handed fashion.
- present ideas clearly and carefully.
- 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:
- how the issues you explore in this module relate to those in other relevant modules
- influential arguments and theories bearing on these issues
- some central issues about rationality, responsibility, and ethics
Syllabus
The syllabus for this module may vary from year to year. It may include topics such as:
- The nature of intentional action
- Rationality, and reasons
- The relationship between morality and rationality
- The relationship between reasons and rationality
- The nature of responsibility
- 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 |
|---|---|
| Wider reading or practice | 23 |
| Follow-up work | 24 |
| Revision | 23 |
| Lecture | 33 |
| Preparation for scheduled sessions | 24 |
| Completion of assessment task | 23 |
| Total study time | 150 |
Resources & Reading list
Internet Resources
Assessment
Formative
This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.
Essay proposal
- Assessment Type: Formative
- Feedback: Students will receive written feedback on the essay draft.
- Final Assessment: No
- Group Work: No
- Percentage contribution: 100%
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Discussion board activity | 25% |
| Essay | 75% |
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 |
|---|---|
| Discussion board activity | 25% |
| Essay | 75% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External