Ethics B 3501-WISIP-ETB
This course presents modern theoretical ethics with references to historical ethical theories. The main topics are: the structure of normative thinking, methods of argumentation in ethics, value judgments, the problem of truth and cognition in ethics, justification of moral judgments, the debates between cognitivism and non-cognitivism and between internalism and externalism, modern theories of social contract.
Type of course
Mode
Learning outcomes
Knowledge:
- knowledge of selected themes in metaethics
- knowledge of the main topics of contemporary ethics
- knowledge of selected developments in contemporary ethics and metaethics
Skills:
- understanding of the specific characteristics of Western ethical thought
- linking philosophical analysis with moral problems
- composition of a written analysis of a philosophical ethical text
Social competence:
- is able to propose solutions to new moral problems he or she encounters
- initiates and carries out simple research work
- is open to new ideas and is ready to change his or her opinions in the light of new arguments and evidence.
Assessment criteria
Active participation in group discussions.
Written essay on a topic related to the program of the course.
Oral exam.
Permissible number of absences: 2
Bibliography
Ethical Theory. Classic and Contemporary Readings, fourth edition, Louis P. Polman, (ed.), Wadsworth 2002.
A. J. Ayer, “Emotivism”, ET 419-424.
R.M. Hare, “Prescriptivism: The Structure of Ethics and Morals”, ET 425-432.
G. Harman, The Nature of Morality: An Introduction to Ethics, OUP 1977, chapter 1 & 2 or
“Ethics and Observation” and “Moral Relativism Defended” in ET 31-43.
J. Mackie, “The Subjectivity of Values”, ET 22-30.
N. Sturgeon, “Moral Explanations”, ET 474-485.
G. Elizabeth M. Anscombe, „Modern Moral Philosophy,” Philosophy. The Journal of the
Royal Institute of Philosophy 124 (1958): 1-19.
W. Quinn, Actions, Intentions, and Consequences: The Doctrine of Double Effect, ET 3018-
327.
Ph. Foot, Abortion and the Doctrine of Double Effect, ET 302-308.
T. Hobbes, Leviathan, chapters V-VI, XIII-XIV, many editions.
J. Locke, The Second Treatise of Government, chapters I-IV, many editions.
J. Rawls, A Theory of Justice, Cambridge, Mass., Belknap Press of Harvard University
Press, Cambridge, Mass. 1971; sections 1-11.
Ch. Calhoun, “Justice, Care, and Gender Bias”, ET 688-695.
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: