Introduction to ethics
What makes life good? Is it virtues or happiness? Duty to ourselves or others? Explore theories and systems that address the meaning of good and evil, right and wrong.
Key course information
Dates
23/09/08 - 02/12/08
Day(s)
Tue
Duration
11 weeks
Time
14:10 - 15:40
Fees
Full fee: £73
Senior fee: £45
Concession: £22
Venue
Keeley Street
Course code
HP029
Availability
This course has finished
Course outline
What is the course about?
An exploration of the ideas of good and bad; rights and duties; freedom and justice. In essence this course asks what it is to live well, in an ethical sense. If someone is living well, what directions might they be going in, and what might they be leaving behind? How vital is love, or openness to the world, as opposed to reactive backing away from difference? These issues, together with the problems of the role of the state plays in ethical matters will be discussed in the light of ideas of philosophers such as Aristotle, Spinoza, Mill and MacIntyre.
What topics will we cover?
- An analysis of concepts such as goodness, justice, virtue
- Specific conceptions of morality
- Preliminary considerations of human nature in relation to socialisation and moral norms, activeness and reactivenesss, and rationality of co-operative behavious (the prisoner's dilemma).
- Specific conceptions of maorality as presented by key figures such as Aristotle, Hume, Spinoza and J.S.Mill.
By the end of this course you should be able to:
- recognise many of the basic rinciples involved in moral debate
- identify some of the ethical approaches of some key philosophers
- understand in greater detail which ethical questions are important
- reflect philosophically on ethical questions
What level is the course?
This course is suitable for those who have followed an introductory course, but those new to philosophy will also be welcome.
How will I be taught?
A combination of lectures, group and class discussion.
What feedback will I get?
You will receive regular feedback from your tutor throughout the course, as and when appropriate. At the end of the course you and your tutor are asked to assess the progress you have made.
Will I have a chance to give my views on the course?
Yes, please complete the evaluation form at the end of your course. These are monitored and help us to continually improve our courses.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Information and Advice Shop, open daily 11:00 – 19:00 Monday to Friday, 10:00 – 14:00 Saturday during term and 12.00 – 17.00 Monday to Friday during non-term. See the programme guide for further details.
General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Information and Advice Shop, open daily 11:00 - 19:00 Monday to Friday, 10:00 - 14:00 Saturday during term and 12.00 - 17.00 Monday to Friday during non-term. See the programme guide for further details.
Who can I contact for further information?
Tel: 020 7492 2652
humanities@citylit.ac.ukAdvice times:
During term-time
Monday 12.30–13.30 and 17.30–18.30
Thursday 12.30–13.30 and 17.30–18.30
Non term-time
Tuesday 17.30–18.30
Wednesday 12.30–13.30
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Humanities
Tel: 020 7492 2652
Advice times:
During term-time
Monday 12.30–13.30 and 17.30–18.30
Thursday 12.30–13.30 and 17.30–18.30
Non term-time
Tuesday 17.30–18.30
Wednesday 12.30–13.30
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