Introduction to moral philosophy

About this course

The course investigates questions about moral value, obligation, responsibility and whether moral truths are universal. It considers approaches including virtue ethics, moral egoism, utilitarianism, Kantian ethics, moral relativism, distributive justice and moral sentiment, using ideas from philosophers such as Plato, Aristotle, Hume, Kant, Bentham, Mill, Nozick and Rawls. Sessions combine lectures with structured conversation and apply these perspectives to individual and collective dilemmas. A further focus is the analysis, evaluation and construction of moral arguments, with reading assigned for each class.

What you'll learn

• Identify different views about the source of moral value
• Explain key elements of major moral theories and their relevance to ethical choices
• Examine the wider implications of particular moral intuitions
• Analyse, evaluate and construct moral arguments

Is this course right for you?

The course is intended for learners at beginner level, including those new to philosophy as well as those who have followed an introductory course. Participation involves lectures, structured discussion and preparatory reading. Curiosity, critical thinking and a willingness to consider views that differ from one’s own are emphasised.

• Preparatory reading is assigned for each class
• Learners are expected to engage with differing perspectives

Before you go

• Bring a pen and paper
• Reading is assigned as preparation for each class
• The provider states that there are no additional costs