Course Catalogue

Philosophy 1B: How Should I Live? PHIL1011

  • Academic Session: 2026-27
  • School: School of Humanities
  • Credits: 20
  • Level: Level 1 (SCQF level 7)
  • Typically Offered: Semester 2
  • Available to Visiting Students: Yes
  • Collaborative Online International Learning: No
  • Curriculum For Life: No

Short Description

This course will introduce students to core issues in moral and political philosophy, including the question of why we should be concerned with acting morally. We will explore what makes one's life and the lives of others valuable, and the consequences of our answer to this for views of how we should live with others and what meaning a life can be said to have.

Timetable

One-hour lectures on Mondays and Tuesdays at either 10am or 2pm over 9 weeks as scheduled on MyCampus. Alternating One-Hour Lecture (x4) and Two-hour "Collaborative Classes" (x4) which blend lecture/seminar elements, either on Wednesdays at 2pm or Thursdays at 9am over 9 weeks as scheduled on MyCampus.

Requirements of Entry

None

Excluded Courses

PHIL1002

Co-requisites

None

Assessment

The standard assessments for this course are:

■ Essay (1,500 words) - 40%

■ 10x multiple choice quizzes -10%

■ Written Exam (90 minutes) - 50%

If required, for instance where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, the following alternatives are available:

■ There is no alternative to the essay, but extensions to the deadlines can be offered as reasonable adjustment (students should follow the usual process for extensions).

■ There is no alternative to the class test, but extra time/alternative space can be offered as reasonable adjustment.

■ There is no alternative to the exam, but extra time/alternative space can be offered as reasonable adjustment.

Further reasonable adjustments may be provided where necessary. Students are encouraged to consult with the course convenor.

Main Assessment In: April/May

Course Aims

This course aims to:

 

■ Study and engage with issues, theories and types of argument characteristic of moral and political philosophy.

■ Introduce students to issues concerning the value and importance of moral discourse.

■ Introduce students to issues in political philosophy concerning how we should treat others.

■ Study and engage with different theories on the value of human lives.

■ Develop skills of interpretation, criticism, clarity, relevance, concise expression and sound argumentation.

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ Explain, with examples, some common forms of argument, good and bad, used in ethical discussion.

■ Explain and evaluate theories on the importance of moral discourse.

■ Discuss philosophically some important contemporary moral problems and theories.

■ State and evaluate arguments concerning important issues in political philosophy.

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

No exceptions