Introduction to Ethics

Ethics can be defined as a branch of philosophy that deals with distinguishing right from wrong behaviour. While this definition appears rather straightforward, it turns out to be complex to explain precisely what makes particular acts right or wrong. Some people believe, for example, that an act is right if it leads to good outcomes whereas others think that it matters more whether an act is done for the right reasons. Each week we study a key ethical theory from Greek antiquity to the present-day. We will study virtue ethics, deontology, utilitarianism, social contract theory, feminist and care ethics, and postmodern ethics. After successfully completing this course, students are acquainted with these ethical theories and will be able to apply them to real-life cases. 

After successful completion of this course B2-HUM4 Introduction to Ethics, the student will be able to:

1. Recognize and describe main theories and approaches in ethics (learning outcome 1a).
   
   
2. Reproduce the content of key positions in ethics (learning outcome 1a).
   
   
3. Compare and contrast different ethical approaches and positions on ethical issues and evaluate their argumentative force (learning outcomes 2a, 3a).
   
   
4. Situate ethical questions and approaches in their historical context (learning outcome 1b).
   
   
5. Apply and differentiate ethical approaches and positions to current societal issues and practices (learning outcome 2a), and construct substantiated ethical arguments (learning outcomes 3a, 3b, 4a).

A basic proficiency in English is presupposed. 

• ~Hoorcollege
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• ~Communicatie A
• ~Kennis en inzicht A
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• ~Oordeelsvorming A
• ~Oordeelsvorming B
• ~Toepassen kennis en inzicht A