Aims of the Module
The purpose of this module is to explore key sources and methods of ethical decision-making across Western history and to identify and evaluate various forms of Christian ethics in comparison to other approaches. It will provide a theoretical framework for thinking about pressing social and moral issues, as well as an appreciation for the complexity of Christian discipleship in a pluralistic context.
Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion, you will be able to:
1. Critically engage with the broad history of moral reasoning in Western culture
2. Communicate a sustained argument relevant to a current ethical issue
3. Gather and interpret relevant specialist data to inform reasonable judgments
4. Demonstrate an appreciation of the need for mutually constructive interface between Christian and non-Christian engagement in the public sphere
5. Reflect critically and analytically on personal experience and societal issues in the light of recent scholarship and current statutory regulations
Indicative Module Content
The module seeks to provide a critical introduction to some of the major ethical theories propounded throughout Western history. Students will have the opportunity to learn, apply and critique both secular and Christian theories of moral reasoning, such as cultural relativism, teleological ethics and deontological ethics. They will also evaluate the implications of ethical decision-making for the Church’s responses to complex issues of today such as torture, biomedical questions, abortion, terrorism, same-sex marriage, and poverty.
Assessment
Portfolio 2400 words 50%
Written assignment 2600 words 50%