One half of this module is mainly concerned with normative ethical theories about what is the right thing to do, and what it is to be a good person. Theories covered in the module are likely to include consequentialist theories including utilitarianism, deontological theories including Kantianism and virtue-based approaches to ethics. The other half is concerned with the question of political obligation: whether there is such a thing as legitimate state power. This question will be approached by studying some of the major philosophers who have tried to provide a justification for state power, such as Plato, Hobbes, Locke and Rousseau. It will also look at some critiques of political obligation based on anarchism and/or feminism.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the module, students should be able to:
Demonstrate understanding of different ethical theories and how they approach moral problems.
Demonstrate understanding of various attempts to justify state power and arguments against these attempts.
Show that they are aware of some objections that can be raised against those theories.
Write clearly and accurately about these topics, showing that they have thought for themselves about the issues.