The Nature of Normativity
Module title | The Nature of Normativity |
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Module code | PHL2056 |
Academic year | 2024/5 |
Credits | 15 |
Module staff | Dr Sam Wilkinson (Convenor) |
Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
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Duration: Weeks | 11 |
Number students taking module (anticipated) | 30 |
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Module description
In this module you will examine core debates surrounding the nature of normativity. What is normativity? How do we account for normative practice and discourse within the natural world (a world without anything supernatural). These questions are here framed in the most general way, but perhaps different areas of normativity require different treatment. We examine moral norms, non-moral social norms (like politeness), epistemic and informational norms, and, finally, medical norms. We also examine the consequences of different views of the nature of normativity for the normative domains themselves. Do they promote relativism or absolutism or particularism about that domain?
Module aims - intentions of the module
The aim of this module is to introduce you to core debates surrounding the nature of normativity. It will present, explore and critically evaluate different approaches, positions and theories within these debates, and will elucidate connections between these and theoretical commitments in other areas of philosophy (e.g. philosophy of mind or ethics). You will therefore enrich your thinking not only about the nature of normativity, but also about other areas in philosophy. It will also encourage you to think critically and constructively about current norms policies, in for example, legal and psychiatric contexts.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Identify and discuss the key methods, questions, themes and topics surrounding the nature of normativity.
- 2. Distinguish and evaluate different approaches and arguments within core debates surrounding the nature of normativity.
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 3. Demonstrate a high level of understanding of the interrelation between different positions on the nature of normativity.
- 4. Demonstrate sound knowledge of different types of philosophical analysis.
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 5. Demonstrate a significantly expanded philosophical vocabulary and understanding with respect to key ideas in philosophy of normativity.
- 6. Conduct research independently, engaging with complex ideas and problems.
- 7. Engage in complex arguments both orally and through writing.
Syllabus plan
Whilst the module’s precise content may vary from year to year, it is envisaged that the syllabus will cover some or all of the following topics:
- Four key issues
- Non-naturalism
- Expressivism
- Error Theory and Fictionalism
- Naturalism
- Social norms
- Epistemic norms
- Biological norms
- Medical norms
- Psychiatric norms
- Outstanding Issues and recap
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
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22 | 128 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
Category | Hours of study time | Description |
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Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | 11 | 11 x weekly 2-hour lectures/seminars or 1 hour lecture + 1 hour seminar |
Guided Independent Study | 44 | Preparation for lectures and seminars |
Guided Independent Study | 84 | Independent research for presentation and coursework essay |
Formative assessment
Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
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Essay plan | 1 x 500 words | 1-7 | Written |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
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100 | 0 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
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Essay 1 | 50 | 1800 words | 1-7 | Written |
Essay 2 | 50 | 1800 words | 1-7 | Written |
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0 | ||||
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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 |
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Essay 1 | 1,800 words | 1-7 | August/September reassessment period |
Essay 2 | 1,800 words | 1-7 | August/September reassessment period |
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
Ayer, A. J., (1946). “A Critique of Ethics,” in Language, Truth and Logic, London: Gollanz, pp. 102–114.
Chrisman, M. (2016) What is this thing called Metaethics? Routledge
Wedgwood, Ralph, (2007). The Nature of Normativity, Oxford: Clarendon Press.
Credit value | 15 |
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Module ECTS | 7.5 |
Module pre-requisites | None |
Module co-requisites | None |
NQF level (module) | 5 |
Available as distance learning? | No |
Last revision date | 22/02/2022 |