Module: Ethics

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Ethics
Module Code	PHE1011 (ITS: TP103)
Faculty	Theology, Philosophy & Music	School	Humanities & Social Sciences
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	7.5

Description

This module provides an introduction to philosophical and theological foundations of Ethics. The module introduces participants to the study of Ethics and considers in a systematic manner fundamental questions such as how do I determine what is right or wrong, good or bad? Does having a bad intention matter if I do something good? Does morality depend on religion? Are there any objective moral values and principles? Does the end always justify the means? The module examines how philosophical ethical theories and reflection can influence moral decision-making. It also focuses on ethical reflection and deliberation within theological ethics.

Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate a broad knowledge and understanding of a number of theories, concepts and methods in philosophical and theological ethics.
2. Synthesise and communicate a range of potential moral viewpoints and arguments supported by relevant academic sources.
3. Critically analyse, evaluate and interact with a variety of ethical questions and issues supported by relevant ethical sources.
4. Demonstrate an ability to communicate an understanding of philosophical and theological ethics within the context of a pluralist, multi-cultural Irish society.
5. Develop and further their skills and self-confidence in appraising ethical issues and challenges.
6. Apply and assess the application of an ethical theory to a case study.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	20	No Description
Independent Study	53	Students do research for essay.
Independent Study	66.5	No Description
Assignment Completion	48	No Description
Total Workload: 187.5

Section Breakdown
CRN	20868	Part of Term	Semester 2
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Alan Kearns	Module Teacher

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

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

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Introduction to Ethics

Moral Development

Sources of a Moral Act

Ethical Theories

Ethics and Religion

Sources of Theological Ethics

Natural Law

Conscience

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Adkins, Brent: 2017, A Guide to Ethics and Moral Philosophy, Edinburgh University Press, Edinburgh,
Cahn, Steven M. (ed.): 2016, Exploring Ethics: An Introductory Anthology,, 4th edition, Oxford University Press, New York,
Hannon, Patrick (ed.): 2006, Moral Theology: A Reader, Veritas, Dublin,
Hinman, Lawrence M: 2008, Ethics: A Pluralistic Approach to Moral Theory, Thomson/Wadsworth, Belmont CA,
Gibson, Kevin: 2013, An Introduction to Ethics, Pearson,
Gill, Robin, (ed.): 2001, The Cambridge Companion to Christian Ethics, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK,
Gilligan, Carol: 1993, In a Different Voice, Harvard University Press Cambridge, Mass,
Graham, Gordon: 2004, Eight Theories of Ethics, Routledge/Taylor and Francis Group, New York,
Gula, Richard: 1989, Reason Informed by Faith, Paulist Press, Mahwah, NJ,
Hannon, Patrick: 2005, Moral Decision Making, Veritas, Dublin,
Hauerwas, Stanley, and Wells, Samuel, (eds.): 2006, The Blackwell Companion to Christian Ethics, Blackwell, Oxford UK,
Irwin, Terence: 2011, The Development of Ethics, Oxford University Press, Oxford,
Kim, Andrew: 2015, An Introduction to Catholic Ethics Since Vatican II, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge,
Kohlberg, Lawrence: 1973, Collected Papers on Moral Development and Moral Education, Harvard: Center for Moral Education,
McCay, Declan: 2009, Religious Ethics: Principles, Practice and Society, Colourpoint Books, Newtownards,
MacNamara, Vincent and McDonagh, Enda: 2009, An Irish Reader in Moral Theology: The Legacy of the Last Fifty Years, Vol. I: Foundations, The Columba Press, Dublin,
Mathewes, Charles T: 2010, Understanding Religious Ethics, Wiley-Blackwell, Malden, MA,
May, W. E: 2003, An Introduction to Moral Theology,, O.S.V.P, Huntington,
Odozor, Paulinus I: 2003, Moral Theology in an Age of Renewal, University of Notre Dame Press, Notre Dame,
Persson, Ingmar: 2017, Inclusive Ethics, Oxford University Press, Oxford,
Selling, Joseph A.: 2016, Reframing Catholic Theological Ethics, Oxford University Press, Oxford,
Schweiker, William: 2008, The Blackwell Companion to Religious Ethics, Blackwell, Oxford,
Sterba, J. (ed.): 1998, Ethics: The Big Questions, Blackwell, Oxford,
Thompson, Mel: 2008, An Introduction to Philosophy and Ethics, Hodder Education Group,
Warnock, Mary: 2006, An intelligent person's guide to ethics, Duckworth, London,
Wells, Samuel and Quash, Ben: 2010, Introducing Christian Ethics, Wiley-Blackwell, Malden, MA,
Willems, Elizabeth: 1997, Understanding Catholic Morality, Crossroad Publishing, New York,

Articles:
None

Other Resources

1: E-Journal, International Journal of Ethics,
416788: 1, E-Journal, The Journal of Religious Ethics,