Ethics Course

Dr Mark Coeckelbergh

Course objectives

This course provides an introduction to ethics and offers the opportunity for advanced study of moral theory and contemporary ethical problems. Its purpose is to show how moral theory can be a philosophical tool that can help to clarify, and improve our understanding of, some of the most pressing ethical issues of our time. It tries to achieve this aim by making students familiar with the main theoretical approaches to ethics and some selected ethical problems, and by stimulating and coaching their own efforts to cope with these issues and discussions by way of philosophical argument. It assists the further development of philosophical analysis skills and essay writing skills, and stimulates critical thinking and disciplined arguing within the framework of individual essay assignments as well as group discussions.

Description of the course

In modern society people are often faced with moral choices and ethical questions. Moreover, ethics is regularly present as an issue in public debates or political controversies. But what is ethics about? How can philosophy help to shed light on contemporary ethical issues? This course offers an overview of the main discussions within moral theory, such as that between Kantian and utilitarian ethics, but attention will be paid to so-called meta-ethical issues as well. What is the nature, role, and foundation of ethics? Is ethics about ‘the right thing to do’, ‘the good life’, or both? Is there a universal moral framework, or can we only speak of morality in the plural? What is the relation between ethics and religion? In what way is morality different from science, politics, or art? What is the relation between theory and practice? What could it mean to approach ethics from a trans-disciplinary angle?
Although this course is mainly aimed at contemporary theory and issues, students will be encouraged to read classical texts as well as recent publications. Furthermore, examples and cases drawn from ‘real life’ issues in domains such as traffic regulation, medical care, agriculture, and engineering will be discussed. Finally, lectures have to be seen as complementary to the suggested reading and the material offered in the course book. Note that the issues and theoretical elements students can use in their essays and in the group discussions are not restricted to the ones offered in the course book or in the lectures. Searching for literature and bringing in your own interests, knowledge, and experience are key parts of the learning process in this course.

© Mark Coeckelbergh 2005