Introduction to Ethics

Catalog description

This course introduces students to the three main areas of philosophical ethics, metaethics, normative ethics and applied ethics. Students will explore metaethical issues such as ethical subjectivism and objectivism, moral skepticism, free will and responsibility, major normative theories such as consequentialism and deontology; and applied ethical issues such as animal rights, war, and cloning. The overarching goal will be for students to develop the skills necessary for thinking, writing, and speaking about ethical theories and problems while acquiring a basic understanding of these theories and problems.