Humans hold moral beliefs that often motivate action. For example, many assert that cheating is wrong, and furthermore, they feel justified taking action to punish others who they detect cheating. Current research within the emerging interdisciplinary field of moral psychology suggests an evolutionary explanation for such moral beliefs and actions. This research challenges traditional philosophical assumptions about morality. For instance, the force of morality is often assumed to depend on the objectivity of moral truths. But if there is a good evolutionary explanation for moral belief does that undermine the objectivity of moral truths, and hence the force of morality itself? This unit will introduce students to the interdisciplinary field of moral psychology, incorporating research from psychology, cognitive science, neuroscience and philosophy and examine the implications for morality. This unit will engage any student at the university fascinated by morality and the mind.
WEIGHT: 12.5%
ASSESSMENT:
HPA248 - 2500 words assessment involving a shorter written task earlier, and a longer essay later, in semester (60%), 2-hour examination (40%)
HPA348 - 3000 words assessment involving a shorter written task earlier, and a longer essay later, in semester (60%), 2-hour examination (40%)
Units are offered in attending mode unless otherwise indicated (that is attendance is required at the campus identified). A unit identified as offered by distance, that is there is no requirement for attendance, is identified with a nominal enrolment campus. A unit offered to both attending students and by distance from the same campus is identified as having both modes of study.
Campus - H Hobart, L Launceston, W Burnie. Study Centre - V Sydney, R Rozelle, P Beauty Point. Distance units may also have a campus identifier of I Isolated, N Interstate, O Overseas. Units delivered in Transnational Education (TNE) Programs have a campus identifier of A Hangzhou, F Fuzhou, G Shanghai, K KDU Malaysia, Q Kuwait or Y Hong Kong.
Special approval is required for enrolment into TNE Program units - campuses A, F, G, K, Q and Y click here for more information.
Web dependent - N,H,L,W,I