APG5393 · Ethical theory

Overview

In this unit, you will explore the key elements of ethical theory, as a foundation for your studies in bioethics. You will consider several key perspectives in normative ethics, including Utilitarianism, Kantian ethics, and Virtue Ethics, and examine several key problems for each of these approaches. You will also examine recent critiques of a reliance on moral principles in bioethics, along with debates about the relations between morality and meaningfulness in life.

Areas of study: Bioethics

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.

Within semester assessment: 100%

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

The Handbook lists no prerequisite, corequisite or prohibition for this unit.

Learning outcomes

1. Critically evaluate issues in bioethics, drawing on a solid theoretical framework;
2. Recognise, analyse, and evaluate ethical arguments;
3. Critically analyse assumptions underlying debates in bioethics and applied ethics;
4. Form your own views about these theories based on the relative merits of key ethical theories.

Workload

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 288 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.