Description
What is the best way to live? What obligations do we have to one another? Should we judge an action by its outcomes or by the intentions of the person who acts? What does it mean when we say that we have a moral duty to do something or avoid doing something? What is the relationship between freedom and responsibility? What entities have full moral status and what does moral status entail? Are there such things as just wars? Is death bad and should it be avoided? What, if anything, could justify killing? Do people have a moral right to have an abortion? In this module, we will think critically about these questions and about potential answers to them.Ìý
The first half of the module will provide an overview of key theories (such as for example deontology and consequentialism), doctrines (such as the doctrine of double effects or the doctrine of acts and omissions) and concepts (such as duty, permissibility, justice and responsibility) in moral philosophy. The second half will include a selection of topics and questions concerning: moral status, freedom, the beginning and the end of life, killing, war, responsibility and luck.
Philosophy Area B
Module deliveries for 2024/25 academic year
Last updated
This module description was last updated on 19th August 2024.
Ìý