Subject Area: Philosophy

This course provides you essential knowledge and reasoning skills in moral philosophy. You will examine a selection of writings from key figures in the tradition of moral philosophy, including but not limited to Hume, Kant and Mill, as well as selected twentieth century moral philosophers, in terms of theory and practice (applied ethics) alike. The course introduces you to some of the central topics, concepts and methods of reasoning within contemporary moral philosophy, including the difference between consequentialist and deontological approaches to ethics, moral scepticism versus moral relativism, and the nature of moral reasoning. You will examine the role of concepts such as autonomy, freedom and responsibility in moral thinking, the moral significance of human dignitiy and happiness and the application of moral principles to particular issues. Applied ethics topics may include: economic and environmental justice, disability, euthanasia, childhood, and abortion.