Moral Psychology (P01290)

? Credit Points : 20 ? SCQF Level : 11 ? Acronym : PPL-P-MSCMPSY

How do people function in moral contexts? In this course we will explore how people make decisions, what determines how they act, and what are the implications of this for ethical theory. Whilst doing so, we will consider what is the relation between psychological research and philosophical theorizing. Topics to be covered may include: moral responsibility, moral judgments, motivation, intention, strength and weakness of the will and character traits. Although the approach is, at base, philosophical, the course will draw on some relevant social psychology literature.

Shared with UG Course U00164 Moral Psychology.

Venue: G6 Dugald Stewart Building

Entry Requirements

none

Subject Areas

Home subject area

Philosophy, (School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences, Schedule I)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : Postgraduate

? Delivery Period : Semester 1 (Blocks 1-2)

? Contact Teaching Time : 2 hour(s) per week for 12 weeks

First Class Information

Date	Start	End	Room	Area	Additional Information
25/09/2008	14:00	16:00			G6 Dugald Stewart Building

All of the following classes

Type	Day	Start	End	Area
Lecture	Thursday	14:00	14:50	Central

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

On completion of the course, students will be able to demonstrate:

1. an understanding of central theories and arguments in the field of moral psychology, 2. an understanding of how people make moral decisions 3. a knowledge of philosophical problems regarding judgement, reason, intention and the will, and the relation between the, 4. an awareness of the implications of findings in social psychology for problems in ethics 5. an ability to bring analytic and critical tools to bear in reading and writing about current topics of research in moral psychology

Students will also acquire the following transferable skills:
1. written skills
2. analytical skills
3. oral communication skills
4. ability to recognise and critically assess an argument 5. ability to apply philosophical reasoning to other disciplines and practices