Aims

By the end of the course the student will be able
to analyse selected topics in the field of moral philosophy;
to develop a well argued point of view within the plurality of ethical approaches;
to use appropriately the tools of research in philosophy and in interdisciplinary collaboration.

Main themes

In order to attain the objectives the course will deal every year with different subjects allowing to draw the lines between the diversity of orientations in philosophical ethics, concrete matters of "applied" ethics and methodological reflection. The conceptual analysis will be accompanied by case studies.

Content and teaching methods

Ethical dimensions of freedom
Freedom and autonomy are key topics of modern moral philosophy. At the
same time there are serious doubts about the human capacity of
self-determination. The course will deal with some classical questions of
this issue (determinism, causality of action, free will etc.) in order to
discuss them in the current context of the sciences and the humanities.

Other information (prerequisite, evaluation (assessment methods), course materials recommended readings, ...)

Pre-requisites:
It would be best if the student has already taken an introductory ethics course (either at the UCL or at another university).

Assessment:
An oral exam at the end of the quarter. The oral exam is based on writings by the student on one of the questions raised in the course.

Supporting material:
A bibliography will be distributed at the beginning of the course.

Course Holder/Course Supervisor:
The lecturer is prepared to assist the students with their essay.

Means:
Most of the works discussed can be found at the ISP library or at other libraries specializing in ethics.

Other:
Those students who wish to specialize in moral philosophy are encouraged to complete their requirements by taking other courses on ethics. For example, those offered at the Chaire Hoover (ESPO), at the Biomedical Ethics Division (MD), at the Ethics Division (TECO), and courses on the Philosophy of Law and Social and Political Philosophy.

Other credits in programs