These two courses are assessed by one two-hour examination (100%), and both earn 3 credit units.
Open to all first- and second-year students in any Faculty except the Arts Faculty.
Co-ordinator: Dr Martin
As individuals or as members of society, we all face practical moral problems
to which there are no easy and uncontroversial answers. Philosophy can help
us clarify these problems and think about them in a reasoned and open-minded
way. This course shows how this is done. We begin with an introduction of some
concepts in moral philosophy that are particularly useful for dealing with practical
moral problems. We then devote the bulk of the course to a variety of practical
moral problems, including: Why do we do what doctors say ? Should animals have
rights ? What is nationalism ? Are there just wars ? What is the rule of law
? Is the capitalist market just ?
Lecturers :
Open to all first- and second-year students in any Faculty.
Course co-ordinator: Dr Perry
The development of cultures, the ability to evaluate things along certain dimensions and to the ability to find meaning in life, are things which separate human beings from other animals. This course will focus on some central philosophical issues which arise in connection with these characteristics of humankind. After a discussion of the differences between culture and nature and of the things that being part of a culture makes possible, we will discuss the relationships between biology and morality, and between science and culture. We will then go on to discuss the notion of value asking: Are values subjective or relative, or are any values objective or universal? There will then be a discussion of why we value art and beauty, followed by a section on the meaning of life. The course will end on the question of why we fear death.
This course qualifies as a university broadening course.
Lecturers :