Module Specifications..
Current Academic Year 2023 - 2024
Please note that this information is subject to change.
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Description This module examines a range of contemporary ethical issues and challenges affecting various aspects of life and society in a systematic manner. The module explores key debates and arguments about perennial ethical questions such as: Can stealing ever be justified? What constitutes fair distribution? What is the common good? The module will focus on the ethical questions emerging from 21st century developments: Do we have obligations towards non-human nature and future generations? What values should underpin the development of robots and AI? Should humanity “enhance” itself? The module will engage traditional ethical and political theories to explore these themes while also introducing novel ethical theories being developed in relation to the environment and technological progress. Diverse normative assumptions and backgrounds that inform our moral and political outlooks will be analysed from the perspective of competing ethical theories and principles. Course participants are given the opportunity to reflect on a number of ethical concerns in a critical way to enable them to further their skills of ethical analysis and argumentation. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Learning Outcomes 1. LO1 Display a critical awareness of a broad range of contemporary ethical issues that affect society and organisations. 2. Identify and formulate the main questions and arguments that are aligned with these ethical issues and have a sensitivity to the complexity of some issues. 3. Demonstrate a systematic understanding of such issues and discussions that is informed by an ethical perspective. 4. Develop their skills of applying and analysing a range of issues from various ethical theories, principles and positions. 5. Continue to self-evaluate and take responsibility for continuing academic and professional development within the field of ethics. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml |
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Indicative Content and Learning Activities
TopicsApproaches to Applied Ethics Ethical Issues in Robots and AI Ethical Issues in Crime and Punishment Environmental Ethics Ethical Issues in Information Technology and Social Media Ethical Issues in Population Growth Human Enhancement Ethics Pandemic EthicsIndicative Reading ListBostrom, N. (2014). Superintelligence: Paths, Dangers, Strategies. Oxford University Press. Frey, R. G., & Wellman, C. H. (2008). A Companion to Applied Ethics. John Wiley & Sons. LaFollette, H. (2003). The Oxford Handbook of Practical Ethics. Oxford University Press. Midgley, M. (1978). Beast and Man: The Roots of Human Nature. Routledge. Midgley, M. (2005). The Myths We Live By. Routledge. Singer, P. (1975). Animal Liberation: A New Ethics for Our Treatment of Animals (2009th ed.). Harper Collins. Singer, P. (2011). Practical Ethics. Cambridge University Press. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Indicative Reading List | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Other Resources None | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Programme or List of Programmes
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