University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 30

ECTS credits : 15

Level : SCQF level 10

Semester: 1

Planned timetable: To be confirmed

Ordinarily, we blame people for doing wrong and praise them for doing the right thing. But what is it to blame someone or praise them? And under what conditions is someone worthy of blame or praise for their actions or attitudes? This module aims to look at the nature of blame and what it is to be blameworthy, as well as how one ought to act under conditions of ignorance or uncertainty. It seems that ignorance sometimes excuses wrong-doing. For instance, one might break a promise to pick up a friend from the airport and yet be blameless, due to ignorance (say because one's friend misinformed one which airport she's arriving at). Under what conditions does ignorance excuse and what type of ignorance excuses (factual vs. normative)? Further, how should one act when one is not sure what is the correct morality?

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisite(s): Before taking this module you must pass PY1006 or pass PY1012

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: 2 hour lectures (11 weeks), 1 hour seminar (11 weeks)

Scheduled learning hours: 44

Guided independent study hours: 252

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: Coursework = 100%

As defined by QAA
Written examinations : 0%
Practical examinations : 0%
Coursework: 100%

Re-assessment: Coursework =100%

Personnel

Module coordinator: Professor J A Brown
Module teaching staff: Professor J Brown