Applied Ethics
A.Y. 2022/2023
Learning objectives
The course aims to offer an introduction to the topics of applied ethics and in particular of those covered in the monographic part of the course. The course aims to make students understand the key concepts and the basic methodology of applied ethics, with the aim of developing their critical sense and their ability to think analytically and independently. To this end, it makes use of the analysis of specific cases and of the reading, commentary and critical evaluation of classical and contemporary material
Expected learning outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding
Students are expected to learn about the major moral paradigms most commonly used to address issues in applied ethics, such as consequentialist ethics, deontological ethics, and virtue ethics.
Knowledge of the major issues discussed in applied ethics, with a focus on the ones discussed in the monographic part of the course.
Understanding of the major methodological approaches to practical ethics, including use of intuition and of the reflective equilibrium method.
At the end of the course, students will have acquired critical thinking skills and in depth knowledge of certain topics.
Ability to apply knowledge and understanding of the topics discussed during the course
Ability to read, understand and critically analyse a text in practical ethics.
Ability to read an applied ethics text, distinguishing the various arguments put forward by the author and placing them within a moral paradigm.
Ability to formulate hypothetical scenarios ("thought experiments") to test a moral intuition.
Ability to critically and autonomously analyse an ethical dilemma, including those not discussed during the course.
Ability to use empirical evidence from scientific disciplines in order to draw ethical conclusions.
At the end of the course the student will be able to apply philosophical vocabulary to the analysis and discussion of issues in practical ethics
Students are expected to learn about the major moral paradigms most commonly used to address issues in applied ethics, such as consequentialist ethics, deontological ethics, and virtue ethics.
Knowledge of the major issues discussed in applied ethics, with a focus on the ones discussed in the monographic part of the course.
Understanding of the major methodological approaches to practical ethics, including use of intuition and of the reflective equilibrium method.
At the end of the course, students will have acquired critical thinking skills and in depth knowledge of certain topics.
Ability to apply knowledge and understanding of the topics discussed during the course
Ability to read, understand and critically analyse a text in practical ethics.
Ability to read an applied ethics text, distinguishing the various arguments put forward by the author and placing them within a moral paradigm.
Ability to formulate hypothetical scenarios ("thought experiments") to test a moral intuition.
Ability to critically and autonomously analyse an ethical dilemma, including those not discussed during the course.
Ability to use empirical evidence from scientific disciplines in order to draw ethical conclusions.
At the end of the course the student will be able to apply philosophical vocabulary to the analysis and discussion of issues in practical ethics
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
Focus of this course is the work of Peter Singer, and in particular three areas of research: utilitarianism, animal ethics and effective altruism. Reading various books of this philosopher, students will acquire not only in-depth knowledge of his approach to ethics, but also a wider understanding of various topics in applied ethics.
Prerequisites for admission
Readings are in English, so a basic understanding of English is quite useful.
Teaching methods
Lectures, debates, active learning, collaborative work, essay writing.
Teaching Resources
Readings for students attending the classes:
Readings for both 6 CFU and 9 CFU
1)Singer, P., 2011. Practical Ethics, Cambridge University Press
2)Singer, P., 2016. Famine, affluence, and morality. Oxford University Press
3)Singer, P., 1995. Animal liberation. Random House.
Extra readings for 9 CFU
4) Singer, P., 2015. The Most Good You Can Do. Yale University Press.
Readings for students not attending classes (6 and 9 CFU)
1)Singer, P., 2011. Practical Ethics, Cambridge University Press
2)Singer, P., 2016. Famine, affluence, and morality. Oxford University Press
3)Singer, P., 2015. The Most Good You Can Do. Yale University Press.
4)Singer, P., 1995. Animal liberation. Random House.
5)de Lazari-Radek, K. and Singer, P., 2017. Utilitarianism: A very short introduction. Oxford University Press.
Extra readings for students not attending classes (9 CFU)
6)Singer, P., 1996. Rethinking life and death: The collapse of our traditional ethics. Macmillan
Readings for both 6 CFU and 9 CFU
1)Singer, P., 2011. Practical Ethics, Cambridge University Press
2)Singer, P., 2016. Famine, affluence, and morality. Oxford University Press
3)Singer, P., 1995. Animal liberation. Random House.
Extra readings for 9 CFU
4) Singer, P., 2015. The Most Good You Can Do. Yale University Press.
Readings for students not attending classes (6 and 9 CFU)
1)Singer, P., 2011. Practical Ethics, Cambridge University Press
2)Singer, P., 2016. Famine, affluence, and morality. Oxford University Press
3)Singer, P., 2015. The Most Good You Can Do. Yale University Press.
4)Singer, P., 1995. Animal liberation. Random House.
5)de Lazari-Radek, K. and Singer, P., 2017. Utilitarianism: A very short introduction. Oxford University Press.
Extra readings for students not attending classes (9 CFU)
6)Singer, P., 1996. Rethinking life and death: The collapse of our traditional ethics. Macmillan
Assessment methods and Criteria
Oral exam. The exam is an oral discussion on the topics and the readings listed in the program. The assessments will address: 1) level of theoretical knowledge; 2) capacity to apply general principles to specific cases; 3) capacity to critically examine the topics discussed in the course.
Professor(s)
Reception:
make an appointment via email
Online on Microsoft Teams or in my office