Module: Ethics and Argumentation

Module Specifications

Academic Year 2026 - 2027

Module Title	Ethics and Argumentation
Module Code	PHE1058 (ITS: CUS1034)
Faculty	Humanities & Social Sciences	School	Communications
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

This module introduces students to ethical reasoning and the importance of ethics in everyday life. We are continually confronted with ethical questions in our personal decisions, our relationships with others, and in broader issues affecting us as local, national, and global citizens, including injustice, inequality, discrimination, and environmental responsibility. The module provides an understanding of major ethical theories and explores why ethical failures happen, such as when people conform to group pressure or avoid responsibility. Through lectures and seminars, students develop the skills to identify ethical issues, analyse competing values, and construct clear and well-reasoned ethical arguments. By the end of the module, students should be able to apply ethical theory to real situations and communicate their ethical reasoning with confidence and clarity.

Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate knowledge of major ethical theories
2. Apply reasoning skills to evaluate ethical scenarios.
3. Assess ethical failures and pressures
4. Analyse and construct ethical arguments

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	22	Introduces key topics
Seminars	9	Practice and test sessions on argumentation skills
Assignment Completion	24	Preparing for regular tests, the quiz, and exams
Independent learning	70	Studying slides and assigned reading
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	21463	Part of Term	Semester 2
Coursework	65%	Examination Weight	35%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	N
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator		Module Teacher

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Loop Quiz	In-class quiz	25%	n/a
Practical/skills evaluation	Argumentation tests	40%	n/a
Formal Examination	Final Exam	35%	End-of-Semester

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

Lecture topics
Major Ethical Frameworks: virtue ethics; utilitarianism; deontology; rights theory; care ethics; social contract theory; relativism and pluralism; evolutionary ethics; moral courage. Psychological Concepts to Explain Ethical Failure: moral sensitivity; conformity; moral disengagement; obedience to authority; in-group and out-group bias; diffusion of responsibility; groupthink; cognitive dissonance; social cost. Argumentation Skills: Recognising arguments; identifying premises and conclusions; vagueness and ambiguity; generalisations; principle of charity; deductive reasoning I; deductive reasoning II; common fallacies.

Essential Reading
Matthews, G. & Hendricks, C. (Eds.). (2019). Introduction to Philosophy: Ethics. Vancouver: BCcampus OpenEd. This open-access textbook introduces major ethical frameworks. Each chapter provides a concise explanation of a theory, its key thinkers, and its strengths and weaknesses. A relevant chapter will be assigned each week. Bowell, T., & Kemp, G. (2005). Critical thinking: A concise guide. Routledge. This textbook introduces argumentation and critical thinking as practical skills. Specific sections from Chapters 1–3 will be assigned weekly. These skills will be tested in seminars and in the exam.

Indicative Reading List

Books:

George Matthews,Christina Hendricks: 0, Introduction to Philosophy, 978-1-989014-08-0
Tracy Bowell,Robert Cowan,Gary Kemp: 0, Critical Thinking, 9780815371434

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None