Self-Respect, 7.5 Credits

Contents

Self-respect is a crucial concept in contemporary moral and political theory. It plays a prominent role in most leading ethical and political approaches. At the same time, self-respect is an elusive notion. Some regard it as a primarily psychological state, whereas others see it more as an attitude we display towards ourselves, i.e. as an ethical stance.

Either way, maintaining one's self-respect is something many people struggle with, and it is widely believed that the way others treat us, or the way we are treated by the institutions that shape our society, have a major impact on our ability to do so.  

In this course we study the notion of self-respect systematically. We discuss a variety of important philosophical works on the topic, some more conceptual in orientation, others more applied towards discussions of relevant moral and political themes. In doing so, we will encounter views from many different philosophical traditions, including feminism, Kantianism, virtue ethics, and others.  We endeavour to determine how best to understand the notion of self-respect, and to derive its normative implications for ethical and political life. 

Expected learning outcomes

After having completed the course students will have:   

Knowledge and understanding  

• displayed knowledge and understanding of central concepts, theories, problems, and arguments in the contemporary debate of ethical, social and political questions about self-respect.   

Skill and ability   

• displayed an ability to write academic texts of good quality;   
• displayed an ability to produce and assess arguments concerning the course materials.   

Assessment and attitude   

• displayed an understanding of strengths and weaknesses of central arguments in the contemporary debate of ethical, social and political questions about self-respect.  

Required Knowledge

60 ECTS credits in a university discipline.  

Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English B/6.   

Form of instruction

The course consists of discussion seminars and an introductory lecture. If the course is given online, the teaching and student activities will be internet-based. 

Students are required to have access to a computer and a stable internet connection.

Examination modes

The examination consists of an essay and active participation in seminars according to the instructions given. The grades given for the essay are Fail (U), Pass (G), or Pass with Distinction (VG); the grades for participation are Fail (U) or Pass (G). In order to pass the course as a whole, all mandatory parts must be passed. Provided this is the case, the final grade for the course as a whole is identical to the grade of the essay. Partial credit is not possible.   

Students who fail the examination have a right to retake the examination within two months after the first examination, but not earlier than 10 working days after the results from the original examination has been given to the students and a copy of the exam has been made available. A For tests conducted during the months of May and June, the first re-test may be offered within three months of the regular test. In addition, at least one more re-examination must be offered within one year of the regular exam. A student who has passed an examination may not be re-examined.  

The examiner can decide to adapt the form of examination, specified in the syllabus, to accommodate a student's needs. Individual adaptation of the form of examination should be considered according to a student's needs. Any change to the form of examination must be made within the framework of the curriculum's expected study results. Students who need an adapted examination must request it from the institution responsible for the course no later than 10 working days before the examination. It is the examiner who decides on the adapted examination and then notifies the student. 

Other regulations

In granting a university degree, this course may not be combined with any other course that has a similar content. In case of uncertainty, the student should consult the Director of Studies at the Department of Historical, Philosophical and Religious Studies at Umeå University.  

In the event that the syllabus expires or undergoes major changes, students are guaranteed at least three exams (including regular exams) according to the regulations in the syllabus on which the student was originally registered for a period of a maximum of two years from the previous syllabus expires or the course has been discontinued.