Applied Ethics
A.Y. 2023/2024
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 can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
The focus of this course is the work of Peter Singer and, in particular, three areas of research: utilitarianism, animal ethics and effective altruism. Reading the work of this particular philosopher (and his critics), students will acquire not only in-depth knowledge of his approach to ethics but also a wider understanding of different topics in applied ethics.
Prerequisites for admission
Applicants for the Masters in Scienze Filosofiche must possess a B1 level of English Proficiency to effectively comprehend the majority of the content outlined in the syllabus. B1 proficiency is a mandatory criterion for students enrolling in the program.
Teaching methods
Lectures, debates, active learning
Teaching Resources
Syllabus for students attending classes
Programme for students enrolled in the course for 6 CFU
1)Singer, P., 2011. Practical Ethics, Cambridge University Press (except for chapters 9-10-11)
2)Singer, P., 2023. Animal liberation NOW. Vintage Publishing.
3) Selected chapters from "Peter Singer Under Fire", 2009 (edito da J.A. Schaler), Open Court.
9 CFU PROGRAMME
1)Singer, P., 2011. Practical Ethics, Cambridge University Press (except for chapters 9-10-11)
2)Singer, P., 2023. Animal liberation NOW. Vintage Publishing.
3) Selected chapters from "Peter Singer Under Fire", 2009 (edited by da J.A. Schaler), Open Court.
4)Shelly Kagan, "What's wrong with speciesism?" Journal of Applied Philosophy
5)Peter Singer, "Why speciesism is wrong, A reply to Kagan" Journal of Applied Philosophy 33
6) Peter Singer, The Life You Can Save, 2nd edition, 2019 (available as a free download from https://www.thelifeyoucansave.org/the-book Links to an external site.), chapters 1-2
Students not attending classes, 6 CFU exam programme:
1)Singer, P., 2011. Practical Ethics, Cambridge University Press (except for chapters 9-10-11)
2)Singer, P., 2023. Animal liberation NOW. Vintage Publishing.
3)Singer, P., 2016. Famine, affluence, and morality. Oxford University Press
9 CFU, programme for students not attending classes
1)Singer, P., 2011. Practical Ethics, Cambridge University Press (except for chapters 9-10-11)
2)de Lazari-Radek, K. and Singer, P., 2017. Utilitarianism: A very short introduction. Oxford University Press.
3)Singer, P., 2023. Animal liberation NOW. Vintage Publishing.
4)Singer, P., 2016. Famine, affluence, and morality. Oxford University Press
5) Singer.P., 2011. The Expanding Circle: Ethics, Evolution, and Moral Progress. Princeton University Press.
Programme for students enrolled in the course for 6 CFU
1)Singer, P., 2011. Practical Ethics, Cambridge University Press (except for chapters 9-10-11)
2)Singer, P., 2023. Animal liberation NOW. Vintage Publishing.
3) Selected chapters from "Peter Singer Under Fire", 2009 (edito da J.A. Schaler), Open Court.
9 CFU PROGRAMME
1)Singer, P., 2011. Practical Ethics, Cambridge University Press (except for chapters 9-10-11)
2)Singer, P., 2023. Animal liberation NOW. Vintage Publishing.
3) Selected chapters from "Peter Singer Under Fire", 2009 (edited by da J.A. Schaler), Open Court.
4)Shelly Kagan, "What's wrong with speciesism?" Journal of Applied Philosophy
5)Peter Singer, "Why speciesism is wrong, A reply to Kagan" Journal of Applied Philosophy 33
6) Peter Singer, The Life You Can Save, 2nd edition, 2019 (available as a free download from https://www.thelifeyoucansave.org/the-book Links to an external site.), chapters 1-2
Students not attending classes, 6 CFU exam programme:
1)Singer, P., 2011. Practical Ethics, Cambridge University Press (except for chapters 9-10-11)
2)Singer, P., 2023. Animal liberation NOW. Vintage Publishing.
3)Singer, P., 2016. Famine, affluence, and morality. Oxford University Press
9 CFU, programme for students not attending classes
1)Singer, P., 2011. Practical Ethics, Cambridge University Press (except for chapters 9-10-11)
2)de Lazari-Radek, K. and Singer, P., 2017. Utilitarianism: A very short introduction. Oxford University Press.
3)Singer, P., 2023. Animal liberation NOW. Vintage Publishing.
4)Singer, P., 2016. Famine, affluence, and morality. Oxford University Press
5) Singer.P., 2011. The Expanding Circle: Ethics, Evolution, and Moral Progress. Princeton University Press.
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 the 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.
Educational website(s)
Professor(s)
Reception:
make an appointment via email
Online on Microsoft Teams or in my office