Applied Ethics

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

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