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Practical Ethics - PHL242 - 2012 Course Handbook - Macquarie University

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Practical Ethics - PHL242

This unit focuses on a range of topics in applied ethics, such as abortion, suicide, euthanasia, terrorism, war, non-violence, capital punishment and environmental ethics. Discussion of the different topics is structured around a number of key concepts including notions of personhood, harm, and justice. What are the criteria for personhood, and are these criteria relevant to the morality of abortion or euthanasia? The duty to minimise harm is an important ethical principle. But what is the nature of harm? And under what circumstances may causing harm be justified? Is there such a thing as a just war? Is terrorism ever justifiable? The unit aims to encourage reflection on the complex ethical issues raised by such questions and to introduce students to the different positions and arguments within the relevant philosophical debates.

Credit Points: 3
When Offered:

D1 - Day; Offered in Session 1, North Ryde

X1 - External study; Offered in Session 1 (On-campus dates: None)

Staff Contact(s): Dr Mianna Lotz
Prerequisites:

12cp or admission to GDipArts or permission of Executive Dean of Faculty Prerequisite Information

Corequisites:

NCCW(s): PHIL242, PHI210
Unit Designation(s):
Unit Type:
Assessed As: Graded
Offered By:

Department of Philosophy

Faculty of Arts

Timetable Information

For unit timetable information please visit the Timetables@Macquarie Website