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PH1027: CONTROVERSIAL QUESTIONS (2022-2023)

Last modified: 15 Jul 2022 14:40


Course Overview

We examine questions such as: Is eating animals immoral? Is being a good or bad person a matter of luck? If so, are we justified in punishing bad people? Should anyone be able to set limits on what you can do with your own  body, even if it's ‘for your own good’? Should everyone be allowed to state their mind, even if their views are harmful or offensive? Is censorship ever justifiable? Do you have a moral obligation to help those worse-off? Are you unknowingly biased against underprivileged groups?

Course Details

Study Type Undergraduate Level 1
Term First Term Credit Points 15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits)
Campus Aberdeen Sustained Study No
Co-ordinators
  • Dr Stephan Vincent Torre

Qualification Prerequisites

  • Either Programme Level 1 or Programme Level 2

What courses & programmes must have been taken before this course?

  • Any Undergraduate Programme (Studied)

What other courses must be taken with this course?

None.

What courses cannot be taken with this course?

  • PH1524 Controversial Questions (Studied)
  • PH1536 Controversial Questions (Studied)

Are there a limited number of places available?

No

Course Description

Contemporary philosophical debate includes a number of difficult and controversial questions which divide academic opinion. Some of these are moral questions about what we should do in a particular circumstance, while others are metaphysical questions concerning the nature and structure of reality. On this course we will look at one of these questions each week. Using this method, we will gain an overview of some of the most hotly contested areas of philosophy, and we will also have a chance to practice some key philosophical skills, including the analysis and evaluation of philosophical arguments.

The controversial questions we will be discussing this year are: Is it morally wrong to eat meat? Should animal experimentation be permitted? Is euthanasia morally wrong? Should we be permitted to affect the genetic make-up of our offspring? How should limited medical resources be distributed? What do we owe to those in extreme poverty? Is being a good or bad person merely a matter of luck? Should immigration be unrestricted? Does God exist? And, do we have immaterial souls?


Contact Teaching Time

Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.

Teaching Breakdown

More Information about Week Numbers


Details, including assessments, may be subject to change until 30 August 2024 for 1st term courses and 20 December 2024 for 2nd term courses.

Summative Assessments

Essay

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 50
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

Look up Week Numbers

Feedback

Written on essay and marking sheet; office hours/appointment; peer questions and comments during in-class presentations

Word Count 1000
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
Sorry, we don't have this information available just now. Please check the course guide on MyAberdeen or with the Course Coordinator

Take Home Exam

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 50
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

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Feedback
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
Sorry, we don't have this information available just now. Please check the course guide on MyAberdeen or with the Course Coordinator

Formative Assessment

There are no assessments for this course.

Resit Assessments

Essay

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 100
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

Look up Week Numbers

Feedback Word Count 1500
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
Sorry, we don't have this information available just now. Please check the course guide on MyAberdeen or with the Course Coordinator

Course Learning Outcomes

Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
FactualRememberILO’s for this course are available in the course guide.

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