Short course
Kant’s Moral Philosophy
Course status:
Applications being accepted
Location:
Online
Dates:
13/01/2027 - 24/03/2027
Study format:
Online - live
Fees:
£430.00
Kant’s moral philosophy: a powerful assertion of the values of humanity and autonomy, or a rigid and crypto-theological slave morality? This course will examine these questions by means of a close reading of the Groundwork for the Metaphysics of Morals, first published in 1785. This is one of the most important and influential works in modern moral philosophy. However, its arguments can be difficult and its conclusions are controversial. Many readers consider its advocacy of the values of humanity and autonomy inspiring and progressive; others think that it amounts to a creepy and unfeeling fetishization of duty rooted in an outmoded religious ethics. Kant's position has also been criticized for its Eurocentrism and complicity with colonialism.
Over the 10 weeks of this course, we will try to work out what is going on, firstly, by means of a close examination of Kant’s text, and then by considering some of the criticisms of his theory made by Hegel, Schopenhauer, Marx, Nietzsche and others.
No previous familiarity with Kant is required, just a willingness to read and think about his work!
Book this course
Book your place online using the button below.
Programme details
This course begins on the 13 January 2027, which is when course materials are made available to students. Students should study these materials in advance of the first live meeting, which will be held on 20 January 2027, 17:00-18:00 (UK time).
Week 1: Introduction; Groundwork: Preface.
Week 2: Groundwork, §1: the good will and duty.
Week 3: Groundwork, §1: duty and the supreme principle of morality.
Week 4: Groundwork, §2: practical reason.
Week 5: Groundwork, §2: universalization.
Week 6: Groundwork, §2: humanity.
Week 7: Groundwork, §2: autonomy and the kingdom of ends.
Week 8: Groundwork, §3: freedom.
Week 9: Responses and criticisms: Schiller, Schopenhauer and Nietzsche.
Week 10: Responses and criticisms: Hegel, Marx and others.
Level and demands
This course is open to all, and no prior knowledge is required.
This course is offered at FHEQ level 4 (first year undergraduate level), and you will be expected to engage in independent study in preparation for your assignments. Our 10-week Short Online Courses come with an expected total commitment of 100 study hours.
English Language Requirements
We do not insist that applicants hold an English language certification, but we warn that they may be at a disadvantage if their language skills are not of a comparable level to those qualifications listed on our website. If you are confident in your proficiency, please feel free to enrol. For more information regarding English language requirements, please see here.
Course aims
This course aims to:
- introduce the arguments Kant presents in the Groundwork for the Metaphysics of Morals.
- examine and evaluate Kant’s conclusions in the light of a wide range of critical texts.
- develop students’ critical and reflective engagement with Kant’s moral thinking.
IT requirements
Any standard web browser can be used to access course materials on our virtual learning environment, but we recommend Google Chrome. We also recommend that students join the live webinars on Microsoft Teams using a laptop or desktop computer rather than a phone or tablet due to the limited functionality of the app on these devices.
Programme details
This course begins on the 13 January 2027, which is when course materials are made available to students. Students should study these materials in advance of the first live meeting, which will be held on 20 January 2027, 17:00-18:00 (UK time).
Week 1: Introduction; Groundwork: Preface.
Week 2: Groundwork, §1: the good will and duty.
Week 3: Groundwork, §1: duty and the supreme principle of morality.
Week 4: Groundwork, §2: practical reason.
Week 5: Groundwork, §2: universalization.
Week 6: Groundwork, §2: humanity.
Week 7: Groundwork, §2: autonomy and the kingdom of ends.
Week 8: Groundwork, §3: freedom.
Week 9: Responses and criticisms: Schiller, Schopenhauer and Nietzsche.
Week 10: Responses and criticisms: Hegel, Marx and others.
Teaching methods
This course takes place over 10 weeks, with a weekly learning schedule and weekly live webinar held on Microsoft Teams. Shortly before a course commences, students are provided with access to an online virtual learning environment, which houses the course content, including video lectures, complemented by readings or other study materials. Working through these materials over the course of the week will prepare students for a weekly 1-hour live webinar you will share with your expert tutor and fellow students. All courses are structured to amount to 100 study hours, so that on average, you should set aside 10 hours a week for study. Although the course finishes after 10 weeks, all learning materials remain available to all students for 12 months after the course has finished.
All courses are led by an expert tutor. Tutors guide students through the course materials as part of the live interactions during the weekly webinars. Tutors will also provide individualised feedback on your assignments. All online courses are taught in small student cohorts so that you and your peers will form a mutually supportive and vibrant learning community for the duration of the course. You will learn from your fellow students as well as from your tutor, and they will learn from you.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the course students will be expected to be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the complexity and subtlety of Kant’s moral philosophy
- The ability to make informed judgements about whether to subscribe to Kant’s theory, or alternatively to agree with its critics
- Construct and communicate philosophical arguments concerning Kant’s moral thinking
Assessment methods
You will be set two pieces of work for the course. The first of 500 words is due halfway through your course. This does not count towards your final outcome but preparing for it, and the feedback you are given, will help you prepare for your assessed piece of work of 1,500 words due at the end of the course. The assessed work is marked pass or fail.
Dr Meade McCloughan – Tutor
Meade McCloughan has been studying philosophy for over 30 years and has taught at University College London and Birkbeck College London. He is on the organising group of the Marx and Philosophy Society.
Assessment methods
You will be set two pieces of work for the course. The first of 500 words is due halfway through your course. This does not count towards your final outcome but preparing for it, and the feedback you are given, will help you prepare for your assessed piece of work of 1,500 words due at the end of the course. The assessed work is marked pass or fail.
Level and demands
This course is open to all, and no prior knowledge is required.
This course is offered at FHEQ level 4 (first year undergraduate level), and you will be expected to engage in independent study in preparation for your assignments. Our 10-week Short Online Courses come with an expected total commitment of 100 study hours.
English Language Requirements
We do not insist that applicants hold an English language certification, but we warn that they may be at a disadvantage if their language skills are not of a comparable level to those qualifications listed on our website. If you are confident in your proficiency, please feel free to enrol. For more information regarding English language requirements, please see here.
Fees
| Description | Costs |
|---|---|
| Course Fee | £430.00 |
Module code: O26P859PHZ
Please use the ‘Book now’ button on this page. Alternatively, please complete an enrolment form.