Undergraduate Module Descriptor

PHL2056: The Nature of Normativity

This module descriptor refers to the 2019/0 academic year.

Module Aims

The aim of this module is to introduce you to core debates surrounding the nature of normativity. It will present, explore and critically evaluate different approaches, positions and theories within these debates, and will elucidate connections between these and theoretical commitments in other areas of philosophy (e.g. philosophy of mind or ethics). You will therefore enrich your thinking not only about the nature of normativity, but also about other areas in philosophy. It will also encourage you to think critically and constructively about current norms policies, in for example, legal and psychiatric contexts.

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. Identify and discuss the key methods, questions, themes and topics surrounding the nature of normativity.
2. Distinguish and evaluate different approaches and arguments within core debates surrounding the nature of normativity.
Discipline-Specific Skills3. Demonstrate a high level of understanding of the interrelation between different positions on the nature of normativity.
4. Demonstrate sound knowledge of different types of philosophical analysis.
Personal and Key Skills5. Demonstrate a significantly expanded philosophical vocabulary and understanding with respect to key ideas in philosophy of normativity.
6. Conduct research independently, engaging with complex ideas and problems.
7. Engage in complex arguments both orally and through writing.

Module Content

Syllabus Plan

Whilst the module’s precise content may vary from year to year, it is envisaged that the syllabus will cover some or all of the following topics:

  1. Four key issues
  2. Non-naturalism
  3. Expressivism
  4. Error Theory and Fictionalism
  5. Naturalism
  6. Social norms
  7. Epistemic norms
  8. Biological norms
  9. Medical norms
  10. Psychiatric norms
  11. Outstanding Issues and recap

Learning and Teaching

This table provides an overview of how your hours of study for this module are allocated:

Scheduled Learning and Teaching ActivitiesGuided independent studyPlacement / study abroad
221280

...and this table provides a more detailed breakdown of the hours allocated to various study activities:

CategoryHours of study timeDescription
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities1111 x 1 hour lectures. Lectures provide you with detailed overview and analysis of debates and positions surrounding the nature of normativity.
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities1111 x 1 hour seminars. Seminars build on the content of the lectures and involve free-flowing yet guided debate between students. Each student, as part of their formative assessment, will be asked in one of the seminars to deliver a 10 minute presentation that will serve to promote class discussion.
Guided Independent Study44Preparation for lectures and seminars
Guided Independent Study84Independent research for presentation and coursework essay

Online Resources

This module has online resources available via ELE (the Exeter Learning Environment).