This module will deal with a range of core issues in contemporary meta-ethics. Topics covered will include the question of whether our moral judgements truly describe some feature of our decisions, actions and character; the objectivity of moral judgements; whether our ordinary moral judgements might be radically mistaken; and what methods are appropriate for moral inquiry.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
By the end of the course, students should be able to:
1. Evaluate rival theories of the nature of moral truth.
2. Understand a range of theories about the nature and role of moral judgements.
3. Offer arguments for and against different metaethical theories, including being able to critically assess their own views.
Indicative Assessment
One 2000 word essay (45%) [assesses all three Learning Outcomes]
One Take-Home Exam of 2000 words (45%) [assesses all three Learning Outcomes]
Tutorial Participation (10%) [assesses all three Learning Outcomes]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
20 hours of lectures and 12 hours of tutorials. Students should also expect to undertake approximately 7 hours of private study per week.
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
S. Darwall, A. Gibbard, and P. Railton (eds). Moral Discourse and Practice: Some Philosophical Approaches (Oxford 1997)
Majors
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
If you are a domestic graduate coursework or international student you will be required to pay tuition fees. Tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 1
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are an undergraduate student and have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). You can find your student contribution amount for each course at Fees. Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2015 | $2604 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2015 | $3576 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.