„Theories in Ethics” is an introduction into moral philosophy. The course focuses on the possibility of justifying criteria for the moral quality of an action. We will begin with Aristotle’s “Nicomachean Ethics”, move on to Immanuel Kant’s “Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals”, and will then discuss John Stuart Mill’s criticism of Kant’s approach and his own suggestions — in “Utilitarianism”  — of what could count as criterion for assessing what is morally right or wrong.

The questions we will pursue are: (1) Can eudaimonia, a „well lived“ life, be regarded as final end of all our actions? (2) does Aristotle refer to human nature as a foundation of considerations about “what one ought to do”. If so, what is humans’ “nature” according to Aristotle? 3) What is “rationality” according to Kant? 4) What is for Kant the “supreme” principle of moral action? 5) Is it possible to deduce any criteria for assessing the rightness of an action from the formulae of the categorical imperative alone? (6) what is “utility” according to J. St. Mill? (7)  Is the greatest happiness determinable, i.e, can it represent a concrete goal in a society? 

1. identify the basic theoretical problems in moral philosophy and the major approaches in the history of ethics
2. critically analyze the foundations of ethical theory
3. summarize in detail, both orally and in writing, the three major ethical theories
4. evaluate the ways in which philosophers attempt to justify a criterion for acting morally
5. try to apply the different ethical criteria in concrete cases 
6. analyze the application suggested by others

The is a PI course (100% presence), which means that continuous assessment of student performance is carried out. Students will raise and answer questions in class and show further active participation (e.g. presentations) in class. It is a “blended learning” course, too. 

The course starts with a session in which administrative questions will be clarified. You will receive information about the structure of this course and should organize yourselves in “working” groups for the presentations.

I want everybody to stay “on Discussion”, if some questions are unclear! There is a text on Canvas ("Lecture Text") available, which should help you with your assignments.

Additionally, you should create (in small groups of max. 4) short video interviews to see, how other people assess the moral quality of concrete situations, use ethical approaches, and come to ethical conclusions. Instructions for the assignments will be given and discussed in class. 

Written feedback from me is always provided in “Discussion” on Canvas.

1. 4 weekly assignments: 100 points (no grading according to a 1-5 scale, just „passed“ or not). Please honor the deadlines (see Canvas), assignments that are turned in too late will receive less points: 1 day: 20%, 2 days: 50%.  2. group video presentations: 100 points (includes presentation of the interviews: 40 points, transcription of 1 interview: 20 points, written summary of the interpretation of all interviews: 40 points ). 3. Questions and comments in the "Discussion" (or class contribution over the whole term). Full engagement is necessary in order to get compensatory 10 points here) 

Points in total 210:

Excellent (1): 198 - 210 points
Good (2): 160 - 197 points 
Satisfactory (3): 120 - 159 points
Sufficient (4): 80-119 points
Fail (5): <80

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Some philosophical knowledge or having attended the LV "Logic and methodology of social sciences"

ao.Univ.Prof.Dr. Gabriele M. Mras
Building D4, 3rd floor, room number D4.3.020
Tel.: 01-31336-4257
Email: gabriele.mras@wu.ac.at

Administration: Bettina Gerdenich
Tel.: 01-31336-4166
Email: bettina.gerdenich@wu.ac.at