Undergraduate Module Descriptor

PHL3013: Virtues and Vices

This module descriptor refers to the 2020/1 academic year.

Module Aims

This module aims to introduce students to virtue ethics and to contrast it with other approaches in moral philosophy. It will familiarise students with a major tradition in ethics and equip them with the techniques required to read, understand and criticise philosophical arguments. It will complement other modules in ethics and political philosophy, and is also available to students from other schools and departments.  

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

This module's assessment will evaluate your achievement of the ILOs listed here – you will see reference to these ILO numbers in the details of the assessment for this module.

On successfully completing the programme you will be able to:
Module-Specific Skills1. think knowledgeably about the virtues and vices;
2. read and understand key texts in ethics;
Discipline-Specific Skills3. reflect clearly and rationally on ethical questions;
4. articulate and defend a point of view and assess the views of others;
Personal and Key Skills5. write coherent, well-argued essays; and
6. think carefully and independently.