TRS6212 - Moral Philosophers and Christian Theologians

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:

(1) Demonstrate an understanding of the contribution of a number or major philosophers and theologians to the interpretation of ethics; as well as the complexities involved in trying to make a case for the existence of a specifically theological ethic;
(2) Demonstrate a knowledge and critical understanding of, for example, the core issues involved in various interpretations of the good; the good as God-given; the good as expressed in one's character; the good as 'respect for the other', the good as the desire to overthrow power structures of inequality;
(3) Conduct an analysis and a comparative evaluation of the moral arguments of these theologians and philosophers, particularly in relation to the debate on what, if anything, faith contributes to ethics;
(4) Think independently about the nature of ethics, both religious and secular, and develop their own ethical arguments about the differences, if any, between these two.

Content:

A range of themes and topics will be explored, which might include (for example): ethics as utilitarianism (Jeremy Bentham & John Stuart Mill), ethics as law (Kant); ethics as respect for the other (Levinas)' ethics as a teleological project that involves respoect for others in just institutions (Ricoeur); ethics as friendship (Aquinas & Aristotle), ethics as a specifically theological phenomenon (Hauerwas & Pinckaers); ethics as the desire to change unjst structures (Marx & Nietzsche); ethics as expressed in and sustained by narrative (Hauerwas & MacIntyre); the role of religious practices in the formation of the self; the relationship, if any, between religious worship and ethics.

Themes and topics will be explored through close reading of a number (normally three or four) of philosophers and theologians. Authors to be studied might include (for example):
. Christian thinkers such as Aquinas, Grisez, Hauerwas, MacIntyre
• Greek philosophers, especially Plato and Aristotle, and their later influence
• Representatives of the English tradition and Utilitarianism: Butler, Bentham, Mill
• Representatives of continental philosophy: Kant, Marx
• Thinkers associated with the rise of Postmodernism: Nietzche
• Some recent English-speaking philosophers, including McIntyre, Singer, Rawls.

Learning and Teaching Information:

The course will be taught in plenary sessions which will make use of a blend of teaching and learning methods. These will normally include: lecture-style presentations by the tutor; seminar-style discussion of a particular topic; informal prepared presentations by students, followed by discussion; other exercises as appropriate to material and group. Guidance on reading in preparation for each session and activity will be given; and learning will be supported where appropriate by VLE and other electronic resources. Guidance on research and essay-writing will be embedded in the learning and teaching process throughout the module; and may also be supported by tutorial guidance on essay plans if required.

Lectures/Seminars
Contact Hours 40
Number of Groups 1

Assessment: