THE304: Public Morality and Catholic Social Ethics
Key details
| Accredited towards | Bachelor of Arts in the Liberal Arts |
| Unit type | Elective unit |
| Credit points | 6 |
| Indicative contact hours | 3 hours per week |
| Prerequisites | None |
| Offered in | Semester 2 |
| Tuition fee | Learn more |
Overview
This unit addresses issues of public morality in contemporary society. Through a detailed study of Catholic social teaching, students analyse the ethical and theological dimensions of a range of public issues. These are linked to important developments in the philosophical understanding of justice from Ancient Greece until the present era. There is a particular focus on issues that are the subject of robust political debate and on which the Catholic Church has enunciated a clear teaching. Specific topics treated include the strengths and weaknesses of the free market economy; the just war tradition; capital punishment; work and leisure; environmental ethics; and issues pertaining to poverty and under-development.
Learning outcomes
On completion of this unit of study, students will be able to:
- demonstrate a basic knowledge of the principles and development of Christian social ethics.
- demonstrate a familiarity with the literature of social ethics with particular focus on Catholic social teaching.
- evaluate the ethical dimensions of current social and professional issues.
- develop the skill of moral reasoning through study of social issues examined in the light of Scripture and the Christian tradition.
- appreciate the importance of a Christian engagement in public life that is responsible and prophetic.
- encourage research, critical reading, reflection and analysis of presented material and readings;
- demonstrate the ability to think logically, critically analyse situations and design responsible solutions to problems;
- summarise information and communicate in a persuasive, logical and coherent manner;
- competently present clear written expression, logical essay structure and appropriate use of referencing and bibliography to comply with the strict conventions of academic writing;
- work constructively in a group and actively participate in tutorial events.
Interested in other Theology units?
THE111: Introduction to Catholic Theology
THE102: The Development of Revelation
THE201: Sacramental Theology
THE202: Fundamental Moral Theology
THE301: Theology of the Post-Conciliar Era
THE302: Bioethics and the Catholic Tradition
THE303: Moral and Sexual Integrity
THE304: Public Morality and Catholic Social Ethics