PHIL3696: Ethics and Moral Psychology

2026 unit information

This unit addresses philosophical questions about how we should live our lives. Students will consider which goals are worth pursuing, which actions are right, and what it takes to be a virtuous person. Topics may include virtues of character; whether morality is objective; partiality towards loved ones; addiction and weakness of will; moral responsibility; virtue signalling; moral emotions like guilt, shame, and hope; punishment and forgiveness.

Unit details and rules

Managing faculty or University school:

Arts and Social Sciences

Details

Study level	Undergraduate
Academic unit	Philosophy
Credit points	6

Enrolment rules

Prerequisites: ?	12 credit points at 2000 level in Philosophy or (6 credit points at 2000 level in Philosophy and 6 credit points at 2000 level in Psychology)
Corequisites: ?	None
Prohibitions: ?	PHIL2623 or PHIL3655
Assumed knowledge: ?	None

Learning outcomes

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. demonstrate a familiarity with the major issues and theories in ethics and moral psychology
LO2. analyse theories and arguments in ethics and moral psychology, and apply these theories to practice
LO3. critically evaluate these theories and arguments
LO4. articulate ideas with clarity of expression and exposition
LO5. develop new arguments, perspectives, and interpretations related to ethics and moral psychology

Unit availability

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Session	MoA ?	Location	Outline ?
Semester 1 2025	Normal day	Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney	View
Semester 2 2025	Normal day	Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney	View

Session	MoA ?	Location	Outline ?
Semester 2 2026	Normal day	Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney	Outline unavailable

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Modes of attendance (MoA)

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