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Happiness, Goodness and Justice
Undergraduate | MAQ-PHIX132 | 2018
Course information for 2018 intake
Ask questions about the nature of happiness. Address atheism and religion as you deconstruct what it means to be morally good. Question the relationship between politics and justice. Read up on philosophical arguments by Kant and Aristotle.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- Prior study needed
- Duration
- -
HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP available
Happiness, Goodness and Justice
About this subject
At the completion on this subject students will be able to:
- explain the nature of happiness using concepts drawn from ancient philosophy at an elementary level
- discuss how some key modern philosophers have sought to establish the foundations of morality at an elementary level
- describe some elements of contemporary theories of justice at an elementary level
- evaluate, in an elementary way, contemporary social issues that concern happiness, goodness, or justice, using philosophical ideas and methods.
- summarise and explain a philosophical text and its key features at an elementary level
- reflect critically on philosophical theories and arguments at an elementary level
- construct and defend your own ideas with clarity and rigour, in a logical, structured argument, at an elementary level
- engage constructively and respectfully with the views of others, even if you disagree with them.
- Introduction to Practical Philosophy
- Epicureanism: Happiness as Pleasure
- Stoicism: Happiness as Self-containment
- Happiness and Character: Aristotle's Ethics
- Morality, Religion and Atheism
- The Challenge of Moral Relativism
- Egoism and Self-interest
- Kant and the Universality of Reason
- Utilitarianism
- Justice and Inequality
- Justice, Immigration and Refugees
- Climate Change
This subject was previously known as PHI110 Philosophy, Morality and Society.
This subject provides an introduction to major topics in ethics, moral theory and contemporary political philosophy. The first section focuses on the nature of happiness. Is pleasure essential to happiness? Or does the pursuit of pleasure harm our chances of lasting fulfilment? Must we be virtuous in order to be happy? What is the relationship between happiness and duty? The second section explores the nature of moral goodness. Is morality based ultimately in self-interest? What is the relationship between morality and religion? Are there moral principles that everyone is bound by reason to recognise? Or is the validity of moral standards relative to specific societies and cultures? In the third section we turn to questions of applied political philosophy, focusing on questions such as: What principles should govern the distribution of economic and social resources within a society? What are the obligations of wealthy nations to those less fortunate, including immigrants and refugees? And what issues of justice are raised by climate change?
- Essay (40%)
- Online Participation (20%)
- Weekly Quiz (20%)
- Reflection Exercise (20%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
This research-intensive university in north-western Sydney offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. With over 44,000 current students, Macquarie has a strong reputation for welcoming international students and embracing flexible and convenient study options, including its partnership with Open Universities Australia.
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- 10
- Times Higher Education Ranking 2024:
- 10
Entry requirements
Equivalent subjects
You should not enrol in this subject if you have successfully completed any of the following subject(s) because they are considered academically equivalent:
MAQ-PHI110 (Not currently available)
Others
If you have no prior university experience, you should complete BAR100 Academic Learning Skills or COM10006 Academic Literacies: Learning and Communication Practice before starting this subject.
Additional requirements
No additional requirements
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
Equivalent full time study load (EFTSL) is one way to calculate your study load. One (1.0) EFTSL is equivalent to a full-time study load for one year.
Find out more information on Commonwealth Loans to understand what this means to your eligibility for financial support.
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