Historical and contemporary answers to some of the main problems of ethics, including the standard of right and wrong, the criteria of goodness, the possibility of ethical knowledge and the place of reason in ethics.
| Distribution Area | Prerequisites | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Arts and Humanities | 1 course |
Fall Semester information
Jeremy Anderson230A: Ethical Theory
The question, "What should I do?" is unavoidable for us. In many situations, some choices are clearly better than others. Further, various accounts can be given for why some choices are better. In this course we will consider some major types of ethical theory--that is, accounts of why some choices are better--and examine their features, merits, and weaknesses. We will also discuss whether there is an objective basis for ethical rules and, if time permits, we may also consider various controversial issues such as abortion, euthanasia, and war. Requirements will include exams, papers, a presentation, and participation.