This module is an investigation into the different faces of prejudice, its bearing on our conception of ourselves as rational agents, and its ethical and political implications. The guiding questions are whether the existence of prejudice undermines our capacity for rational judgement and action in significant ways, and what we might be morally required to do to address any shortcomings.
Topics for discussion may include: -How do empirical findings in psychology and the social sciences challenge our assumptions about human rationality? -Are implicit biases they belief-like or sui generis mental states? - Do implicit biases undermine the idea that our perceptual beliefs are justified? To what extent can individuals be morally responsible, or blameworthy, for the fact that they harbour implicit biases and explicit prejudices? - Is ‘affirmative action’ an appropriate response to the persistence of racial and gender prejudice, or, as some claim, is it a case of two wrongs not making a right?
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the module students should be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of a range of influential positions on the philosophical issues mentioned above and have a basic understanding of relevant empirical data;
evaluate such positions critically: i.e. understand the philosophical arguments for and against the positions;
construct arguments of their own in relation to such positions, to articulate clearly arguments formulated by others;
Show an appreciation of the interaction between the ordinary conception of a certain phenomenon, scientific investigations of it and philosophical theorizing about its nature and role.
Assessment
26796-01 : In Class Exam : Class Test (50%)
26796-02 : 2000 Word Essay : Coursework (50%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions
Assessment: 1 x 2000 word essays (50%) and 1 x 90 minute in-class exam (50%)
Method of Reassessment: Resubmission of failed component, if this results in failure of the module as a whole.
