Why Study This Course?
Since the ancient Greeks philosophers have asked how we can know whether we are living an ethical life. In this course we will look a selection of these philosophers to help us consider important questions concerning ethics. Are there any objective standards of what is morally right and wrong? Or are all such judgements always relative to a certain time and place or from person to person? What might the implications of this be? Can we turn to philosophers when trying to resolve ethical dilemmas in real life?
By the end of the course, you will be able to:
•Describe the distinctive nature of philosophical problems and give examples of these.
•Compare, Contrast and Evaluate different theories within normative ethics (e.g. Kantian versus Utilitarian approaches to the nature of morality)
•Assess the significance of philosophical debates concerning the nature of morality (e.g. the Realism vs Relativism debate concerning the nature of moral values)
•Develop your knowledge of the history of philosophy and the ideas, debates concepts which have been developed there.
The classes will be discussion-based, allowing participants to explore, debate, and (inevitably) disagree. Please note that in a philosophy class, disagreement is not only acceptable, but is actively encouraged. Be prepared to have your preconceptions challenged. Your tutors will assess your progress through your class participation, in conjunction with your own self-assessment of your progress.
Arguments and controversies in philosophy: ethics
outline:
Week:
1.Introduction to course and introduce each other.
Discuss: what is philosophy of ethics? Discuss some of the major themes that will be coming up in the course.
2.Plato and Aristotle: Introducing the realism v relativism debate in ethics.
3.Hume: How can a concern for one’s own interests be extended by
morality into a concern for the interests of others. The question of sympathy.
4.Kant: The concept of ‘duty’ at the very centre of ethics; ‘duty for duty’s sake.’
5.Utilitarianism: should the state legislate and develop penalties with the goal to maximize the happiness of all?
6.Hegelianism: the ethics of social relations and the social morality of ‘my station and its duties’.
7.Nietzsche: the rejection of the idea that reason can justify moral truths.
8.Pragmatism: ethical principles are social constructs. The question is are they useful?
9.Virtue Ethics: can I judge who is good and can I be like them?
10.Free will and determinism: do we really make choices to be good or bad? Could it be that we are determined by the structures of our brain or upbringing, for example?
No entry requirement.
Throughout the course I will then use formative assessments to capture progress. I will record student development in the Class Profile form which allows me to reflect on each individual and prompts me explore progress with students 1 to 1. I will then give a final or summative assessment and celebrate each student’s achievement.
You will need a notebook, a pen, and an open mind. Your tutors may also recommend further reading, but the course does not require the purchase of any more materials. We will also make course materials and other resources available to you.
