PHIL20008 Ethical Theory
University of Melbourne · Level 2 · 12.5 points · Runs in 2026: Semester 2.
- Final exam 50%
- About 3 class hours a week
Is PHIL20008 hard?
PHIL20008: About average. No student reviews yet — based on the Handbook only.
What you learn
The three main families of ethical theory, starting with utilitarianism, and what makes actions right or wrong.
After it you can
- Explain the three main types of ethical theory
- Assess objections to each theory
- Write clear arguments on moral questions
What you need first
None
How it’s assessed
Reports and essays 50%, Final exam 50%
Student reviews and ratings
Summarised from 5 students on StudentVIP (2017–2025)
- Reviewers from 2017 to 2025 say it gives a strong foundation in ethical theory through Aristotle, Kant and Mill.
- It is quite theoretical, with few real-world dilemmas; lectures are easy to follow and doing well is realistic if you keep up.
A summary of public reviews, not scored here.
Taken this subject? Rate it anonymously (difficulty, workload, marking, would you recommend it) and leave a tip for next year's students. Rate PHIL20008
Quick answers
- When is PHIL20008 offered?
- Runs in 2026: Semester 2.
- What do I need before taking PHIL20008?
- No prerequisites.
- Does PHIL20008 have a final exam?
- Yes, the final exam is 50% of the mark. Assessment: Reports and essays 50%, Final exam 50%.
- Is PHIL20008 hard?
- From 5 student reviews on StudentVIP: Reviewers from 2017 to 2025 say it gives a strong foundation in ethical theory through Aristotle, Kant and Mill.
- What do students say about PHIL20008?
- Reviewers from 2017 to 2025 say it gives a strong foundation in ethical theory through Aristotle, Kant and Mill. It is quite theoretical, with few real-world dilemmas; lectures are easy to follow and doing well is realistic if you keep up.
- How many class hours a week does PHIL20008 have?
- 3 h a week in class
- Can I take PHIL20008 as breadth?
- Yes, for: Bachelor of Biomedicine, Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Design, Bachelor of Fine Arts (Acting), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Animation), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Dance), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Film and Television), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Music Theatre), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Production), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Screenwriting), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Theatre), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Visual Art), Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Science.
- Can I rate PHIL20008?
- Yes. If you've taken it, rate it anonymously on this page (difficulty, workload, marking, would you recommend it) and leave a tip for next year's students. Averages show once 3 students have rated it; tips are checked before they appear.
Source: University of Melbourne Handbook 2026
Always confirm in the official Handbook.
PickMySubjects is a free, unofficial planner made by a UniMelb graduate.