161-007 Great Thinkers in Moral Philosophy

At least one first-year single-semester philosophy subject, or permission from the Head of School or subject coordinator.

This subject critically studies three of the classic works of moral philosophy: Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics, Kant's Groundwork of the Metaphysic of Morals, and Mill's Utilitarianism. On completion of the subject, students should have acquired the competence and understanding necessary to engage profitably with these significant and influential texts, and to appreciate what is distinctive and of abiding interest in them.

• be able to recognise philosophically important similarities and differences between views and issues arising in different texts and contexts;

• be able to apply the analytical skills developed in this subject to other philosophical and non-philosophical studies;

• be able to apply the critical skills developed in this subject to other philosophical and non-philosophical studies.

A written assignment of 2000 words 50% (due mid-semester), a 2-hour closed-book written examination 47% (held at the end of semester) and tutorial participation 3%.

Any edition of the three texts named above. A booklet of Supplementary Readings will also be made available.