161-038 Moral Theory and its Applications

Availability

Credit Points

Coordinator

Prerequisites

Two second/third year single-semester Philosophy subjects or equivalent for 3rd-year. Entry to Honours for 4th-year.

Semester

Contact

Subject Description

The course gives an in-depth examination of the relationship between an advanced theoretical topic in moral theory and a pressing practical ethical problem. It asks what is involved in applying the moral theory to the practical problem. It diagnoses the theoretical problems the applied problem raises. It then offers substantive proposals to the practical problem. The central topic may vary, but an example is resource allocation. The course might then examine utilitarian and Kantian approaches, inequality and the priority of the worst off, interpersonal comparisons, allocations to later selves and future generations, and how to allocate organs for transplant.

Assessment

A 2000 word take-home examination, and an essay of 2000 words for 3rd-year 3000 words for 4th-year.