Foundations of Ethics
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
The course aims to provide students with the knowledge of fundamental theoretical points, vocabulary and the main argumentative processes of moral philosophy, as well as the knowledge of concepts and problems of one or more specific areas of philosophical and moral discussion, also in reference to the historical and cultural context.
Expected learning outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding
At the end of the course students will be able to:
Identify the fundamental theoretical points of the philosophical thought in the ethical field in its different forms and traditions
Present the main concepts and problems relevant to the status and method of moral Philosophy, Ethics and Theory of values
Exemplify the arguments found in both texts and works
Ability to apply knowledge and understanding
At the end of the course students will be able to:
Use the main conceptual contributions of the philosophical thought in the ethical field
Analyze the reasons and arguments of the main philosophical contributions that have been tackled
Apply their knowledge of concepts and problems to the specific areas of moral philosophy
At the end of the course students will be able to:
Identify the fundamental theoretical points of the philosophical thought in the ethical field in its different forms and traditions
Present the main concepts and problems relevant to the status and method of moral Philosophy, Ethics and Theory of values
Exemplify the arguments found in both texts and works
Ability to apply knowledge and understanding
At the end of the course students will be able to:
Use the main conceptual contributions of the philosophical thought in the ethical field
Analyze the reasons and arguments of the main philosophical contributions that have been tackled
Apply their knowledge of concepts and problems to the specific areas of moral philosophy
Lesson period: First 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
Cognomi A-K
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Modules or teaching units
Parte A e B
M-FIL/03 - MORAL PHILOSOPHY - University credits: 6
Lessons: 40 hours
Parte C
M-FIL/03 - MORAL PHILOSOPHY - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Cognomi L-Z
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
The course will consider the retributivistic approach in Ethics.
Prerequisites for admission
There are no specific requirements different from those requested for the admission to the BA degree in Philosophy
Teaching methods
Lectures
Debates
Debates
Assessment methods and Criteria
The final examination consists of an oral exam. The purpose of the oral exam will be to test the knowledge and skills acquired by students in light of the course topics. Evaluation criteria: 1) knowledge of the theoretical aspects of the topics discussed during the course (exposition); 2) ability to exemplify concepts (understanding); 3) capacity of use and apply concepts (development); 4) use of language.
Modules or teaching units
Parte A e B
M-FIL/03 - MORAL PHILOSOPHY - University credits: 6
Lessons: 40 hours
Parte C
M-FIL/03 - MORAL PHILOSOPHY - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
edizione in blended learning
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
he course aims to introduce students to the three main areas of moral philosophy:
Meta-ethics: This includes meta-ethical theories such as emotionalism, moral realism, moral relativism, cognitivism, and moral psychology.
Normative ethics: This covers various approaches, including consequentialist ethics, deontological ethics, and virtue ethics.
Applied ethics: This addresses practical ethical issues such as abortion, euthanasia, environmental ethics, bioethics, and other contemporary moral dilemmas.
Meta-ethics: This includes meta-ethical theories such as emotionalism, moral realism, moral relativism, cognitivism, and moral psychology.
Normative ethics: This covers various approaches, including consequentialist ethics, deontological ethics, and virtue ethics.
Applied ethics: This addresses practical ethical issues such as abortion, euthanasia, environmental ethics, bioethics, and other contemporary moral dilemmas.
Prerequisites for admission
There are no prerequisites except those specified in the Teaching Regulations
Teaching methods
eaching is delivered in a blended learning format, as follows:
8 Hours of face-to-face lectures
20 Hours of synchronous online lessons via Teams videoconferencing
32 Hours of asynchronous online lessons in the MyAriel environment"
The breakdown of lectures and the specific timetable of activities will be published in MyAriel within a week of the start of the semester's lectures.
8 Hours of face-to-face lectures
20 Hours of synchronous online lessons via Teams videoconferencing
32 Hours of asynchronous online lessons in the MyAriel environment"
The breakdown of lectures and the specific timetable of activities will be published in MyAriel within a week of the start of the semester's lectures.
Teaching Resources
Course material provided by the lecturer (handouts, slides, video recording)
Optional:
Rachels, J. and Rachels, S., 2012. The Elements of Moral Philosophy 7e. McGraw Hill
(selected chapters)
Jonathan Wolff, An Introduction to Moral Philosophy (New York: Norton, 2018) (selected chapters)
Or
Gianfranco Mormino, Storia della Filosofia Morale, Raffaello Cortina, 2020
Optional:
Rachels, J. and Rachels, S., 2012. The Elements of Moral Philosophy 7e. McGraw Hill
(selected chapters)
Jonathan Wolff, An Introduction to Moral Philosophy (New York: Norton, 2018) (selected chapters)
Or
Gianfranco Mormino, Storia della Filosofia Morale, Raffaello Cortina, 2020
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam consists of an oral test. The oral test includes an interview on the topics covered in the program, in order to assess the knowledge and skills acquired. he assessment will address the following aspects:
1. Level of theoretical knowledge.
2. Ability to apply general principles to specific cases.
3. Ability to critically examine the topics discussed in the course.
A brief essay is required to be submitted before the oral test.
1. Level of theoretical knowledge.
2. Ability to apply general principles to specific cases.
3. Ability to critically examine the topics discussed in the course.
A brief essay is required to be submitted before the oral test.
Modules or teaching units
Parte A e B
M-FIL/03 - MORAL PHILOSOPHY - University credits: 6
Lessons: 40 hours
Parte C
M-FIL/03 - MORAL PHILOSOPHY - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Professor(s)
Reception:
make an appointment via email
Online on Microsoft Teams or in my office