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:
A basic proficiency in English is presupposed.