Moral and Political Philosophy

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.

By the end of the module you will 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.

Assessment

• Assessment 1 - 1500 word Essay : Coursework (50%)
• Assessment 2 - 1500 word Essay : Coursework (50%)