Public

Delivery method: Online learning with tutor support. 

This module explores the history of ethical thought, focusing largely on the 'Western' philosophical tradition, addressing fundamental questions about morality and human action. Students will examine key philosophical traditions, including virtue ethics, deontology, utilitarianism, and meta-ethics.

Course Description

This module explores the history of ethical thought, focusing largely on the 'Western' philosophical tradition, addressing fundamental questions about morality and human action. Students will examine key philosophical traditions, including virtue ethics, deontology, utilitarianism, and meta-ethics. 

Over the course of 10 weeks, learners will have an overview of influential thinkers such as Aristotle, Kant, and Mill, as well as some ethical perspectives from non-Western traditions, such as Daoism. By the end of the module, students will have developed critical skills to analyse and apply ethical theories to contemporary moral dilemmas, as well as foundational philosophical reading, writing, and presentation skills.