Virtues and Vices
| Module title | Virtues and Vices |
|---|---|
| Module code | PHL3013 |
| Academic year | 2025/6 |
| Credits | 15 |
| Module staff | Dr Edward Skidelsky (Convenor) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 11 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 40 |
|---|
Module description
This module is an introduction to the tradition in moral philosophy known as “virtue ethics”. It investigates the concepts of virtue and vice in general and also some specific virtues and vices. In the first part, we look at some well-known questions about the concept of virtue: What is a virtue? What is the relation of virtue ethics to other styles of ethical theory? Can the virtues be taught? Can they be codified? Do the virtues benefit their possessor? Can an individual possess one virtue but not others? In the second part of the course, we go on to analyse some specific virtues and vices, including the four cardinal virtues and the economic, sexual and military virtues and vices.
Module aims - intentions of the module
This module aims to introduce students to virtue ethics and to contrast it with other approaches in moral philosophy. It will familiarise students with a major tradition in ethics and equip them with the techniques required to read, understand and criticise philosophical arguments. It will complement other modules in ethics and political philosophy, and is also available to students from other schools and departments.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. think knowledgeably about the virtues and vices;
- 2. read and understand key texts in ethics;
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 3. reflect clearly and rationally on ethical questions;
- 4. articulate and defend a point of view and assess the views of others;
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 5. write coherent, well-argued essays; and
- 6. think carefully and independently.
Syllabus plan
Whilst the precise content may vary from year to year, it is envisaged that the syllabus will cover all or some of the following topics:
- Introduction
- Virtue Ethics: for and against
- What is a virtue? What is a vice?
- Virtues and duties.
- Virtues and happiness.
- The cardinal virtues: wisdom, justice, courage and temperance
- The economic virtues and vices: thrift, generosity, greed and avarice
- The sexual virtues and vices: chastity, modesty and lust
- The military virtues and vices: courage, cowardice and foolhardiness
- Virtues pagan and Christian
- Conclusion
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 22 | 128 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching activity | 22 | 11 x 2 hours per week comprising of lectures and seminars |
| Guided Independent study | 128 | Reading, preparing classwork, writing essays and preparing for the exam |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essay plan | 250 words | 1-6 | Written comments and classroom discussion |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 50 | 50 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | 50 | 1,000 words | 1-6 | Written |
| Exam | 50 | 1 hour 30 minutes | 1-6 | Written |
| 0 | ||||
| 0 | ||||
| 0 | ||||
| 0 |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | Essay (1,000 words) | 1-6 | August/September reassessment period |
| Exam | Exam (1 hour 30 minutes | 1-6 | August/September reassessment period |
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics
Philippa Foot, Virtues and Vices
Philippa Foot, Natural Goodness
Peter Geach, The Virtues
Rosalind Hursthouse, Virtue Ethics
Alasdair MacIntyre, After Virtue
Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources
ELE - http://vle.exeter.ac.uk.
Key words search
Ethics, Virtue, Vice
| Credit value | 15 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 7.5 |
| Module pre-requisites | None |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 6 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | January 2013 |
| Last revision date | 29/07/2022 |
