The individual who has no notion of philosophy goes through life imprisoned in the prejudices derived from common sense … and from convictions which have grown up in his mind without the cooperation or consent of his deliberative reason. To such an individual the world tends to become definite, finite, obvious; common objects rouse no questions, and unfamiliar possibilities are contemptuously rejected.
As soon as we begin to philosophise, on the contrary, we find … that even the most everyday things lead to problems to which only very incomplete answers can be given. Philosophy, though unable to tell us with certainty what is the true answer to the doubts which it raises, is able to suggest many possibilities which enlarge our thoughts and free them from the tyranny of custom. (Bertrand Russell, paraphrased)

Cultural and Ethical Values focuses on fundamental ethical notions in the Western tradition. The course traces the history of a family of ethical ideas from the ancient Greeks to the twenty-first century, taking special note of the historical context in which these ideas arose, while giving consideration to the relevance of these theoretical perspectives for contemporary moral problems. Some examples of questions considered in the course are these:

• What is the good life?
• What kinds of people ought we to be?
• How is law related to morality?
• What is the basis of human rights?
• Can moral claims be rationally justified?
• How did democracy evolve, and is it the best political system?

The topics for the course can be found listed on the lectures page.

The generic abilities developed in this course are problem solving, the ability to think critically, openness to new ideas, and the capacity to construct cogent arguments and present them in both written and oral forms. Inclusion of this core unit in the curriculum reflects a commitment to the general principle that university education must be more than narrow vocational training, that certain generic skills are essential for graduates, that knowledge of the values of one’s own and other cultures is an essential part of the educative process, and that intellectual engagement with fundamental moral questions is a good preparation for life. 

LECTURES

Note that the official timetable information is  here.

Lectures commence in Week 1 of semester. Lecture notes will be made available through the course homepage each week.

TUTORIALS

Attendance at tutorials is compulsory. Tutorials commence in the first week of semester:

Note that the official timetable information is  here.

Tutorials are designed to give you the opportunity to discuss and work through lecture material in a more relaxed and personal environment. They are your chance to pursue course material in more depth and to find out more about areas that you find unclear or which seem interesting to you. 

TEXT

There is no set text, but there is plenty of online reading and you'll be expected to purchase at least one of the following:

Aristotle, Ethics

Mill, On Liberty

These are cheap and available from the University Bookshop.

ASSESSMENT

In addition to the expected ongoing attendance of lectures, tutorials and completion of weekly exercises you will be required to complete three pieces of assessment.
 

·         Mid-semester Assignment:  20%

·         Final Assignment                   30%

·         Final Exam                                40%%

Extensions

Extensions on Essay Assignments, or the taking of Tests at a date other than that set down, is only permitted if you have a legitimate reason (e.g. illness, etc.). If you cannot submit an Essay by the due date or cannot take the Test on the day it is set, you should consult your lecturer immediately concerning the possibility of an extension or a rescheduling of the Test. Evidence of your illness etc. will be required.

Plagiarism

Plagiarism is an academic offence and will be penalized.

The University accepts the following definition of plagiarism:

"Plagiarism is the action or practice of taking and using as one's own the thoughts or writings of another, without acknowledgment."

The following practices constitute acts of plagiarism and are a major infringement of the University's academic values:

• Where paragraphs, sentences, a single sentence or significant parts of a sentence are copied directly, and are not enclosed in quotation marks and appropriately footnoted;

• Where direct quotations are not used, but are paraphrased or summarised, and the source of the material is not acknowledged either by footnoting or other simple reference within the text of the paper; and

• Where an idea which appears elsewhere in printed, electronic or audio-visual material is used or developed without reference being made to the author or the source of that material."

Plagiarism carries strict penalties which could result in a student's being expelled from University. Occurrences of plagiarism in this course will result in a formal complaint being lodged by the lecturer with the University against the student.

General Assessment Criteria and Policies

Mid-term essays, take-home exams and final grades are marked according to the University’s seven point system:

OVERALL GRADE

HD        (numerical equivalent is usually 100-85%)
D            (usually 84-75%)
C            (usually 74-65%)
P             (usually 64-50%)
F             (usually 49-0%)

To gain a HIGH DISTINCTION (HD)students need to demonstrate considerable originality and sophistication in their approach. Their work must excel in research, critical analysis, philosophical debate and writing style.

To gain a DISTINCTION (D) students must demonstrate an understanding of deeper and more complex aspects of the subject, and show a capacity for original evaluation and interpretation. Extensive reading is necessary and some understanding of philosophical debate is desirable, with a solid writing style.

To gain a CREDIT (CR) students must show that they are capable of doing more than drawing together the ideas of others: they must demonstrate some analytical skills and research initiatives.

Students can expect to PASS (PA) if they fulfil all assessment requirements at a basic level, demonstrating a reasonable understanding of the fundamental issues and concepts introduced.

Students will be awarded a FAIL (FA/2) if they do not satisfy the basic requirements of the subject.