OVERVIEW

Contemporary Moral Theories is an advanced course in moral philosophy, which aims to offer an overview of the most recent ethical and metaethical discussion from both historical and theoretical perspectives, with particular reference to the Anglo-American debate. It integrates, therefore, foundational and normative issues, discussed through key currents and authors of contemporary debate.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course aims to examine the main themes and currents in which contemporary ethical and metaethical reflection is articulated, with particular reference to the Anglo-American debate.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

This year, the purpose of the course is to introduce students to contemporary moral psychology through the topics of the psychology of moral judgment and choice and the debate over the origins of morality.

Upon completion of the teaching, the student will be expected to:

- know the main ethical currents in the contemporary Anglo-American debate and trace their historical and theoretical roots;

- master rival models of moral reasoning, knowing how to argue from them and discuss competing theses;

- analyze and recognize the different strategies of foundation of ethics and critically evaluate them;

- deal with and analyze specialized texts, acquiring an adequate technical language.

PREREQUISITES

A previous basic knowledge of the main classic ethical theories and problems is required, as well as the knowledge of some essential readings.

TEACHING METHODS

Lessons will be given with the aid of ppt presentations. They have the form of seminars, rather than lectures, and are focused on discussion.

In the last part of the course, students will be asked to participate in a highly interactive seminar which will be held in collaboration with the course of Philosophy of Science (Prof.Cristina Amoretti).

Lectures will be possibly held in presence, but it will be possible for students to attend classes via Microsoft Teams. The entry code will be provided here in due course. 

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

This year, the course aims to introduce the main approaches in moral psychology, particularly in relation to the formation of moral choice and judgment (3CFU). Moreover, it wants to offer some alternative hypotheses about the biological and evolutionary origins of morality, also from a neuroscientific perspective (3CFU). Finally, the last part of the course (3 CFU) will focus on the epistemological and ethical implications of specific clinical cases (this part will be articulated with a seminar in common with the Philosophy of Science LM course held by Prof. Maria Cristina Amoretti and will have a strong interactive character).

For 9CFU, students are required to take all three modules; for 6CFU, students may choose to take modules 1 and 3, or 1 and 2. However, the first module is mandatory for all.
Non-attending students, whatever the number of CFU, are required to contact the teacher in time to agree on a personalized program.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Please note that international students can email Prof. Vaccarezza to agree upon a different reading list, if needed. In this case, they are supposed to do so in due time before the exam (min. 1 month), or else they won't be allowed to take the exam.

6 cfu

One reading among the following:

- M. De Caro e M. Marraffa, Mente e morale, Carocci, Roma 2017.

- S. Songhorian, Etica e scienze cognitive, Carocci, Roma 2020.

One reading among the following:

- E. Severini, Etica ed evoluzionismo, Carocci, Roma 2020.

- M. Tomasello, Storia naturale della morale umana, Raffaello Cortina 2016.

- P. Churchland, Neurobiologia della morale, Raffaello Cortina 2012.

- F. De Waal, Primati e filosofi. Evoluzione e moralità, Garzanti, Milano 2008. 

- R. Thaler & C. Sunstein, Nudge. La spinta gentile, Feltrinelli, Milano 2014.

- D. Kahnemann, Pensieri lenti e veloci, Mondadori, Milano 2020.

9 cfu

One reading among the following:

- M. De Caro e M. Marraffa, Mente e morale, Carocci, Roma 2017.

- S. Songhorian, Etica e scienze cognitive, Carocci, Roma 2020.

Two readings among the following:

- E. Severini, Etica ed evoluzionismo, Carocci, Roma 2020.

- M. Tomasello, Storia naturale della morale umana, Raffaello Cortina 2016.

- P. Churchland, Neurobiologia della morale, Raffaello Cortina 2012.

- F. De Waal, Primati e filosofi. Evoluzione e moralità, Garzanti, Milano 2008. 

- R. Thaler & C. Sunstein, Nudge. La spinta gentile, Feltrinelli, Milano 2014.

- D. Kahnemann, Pensieri lenti e veloci, Mondadori, Milano 2020.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

MARIA SILVIA VACCAREZZA (President)

MICHEL CROCE

FEDERICO ZUOLO (Substitute)

LESSONS

LESSONS START

Lessons will start on February 21st, 2022.

Students who plan to attend classes online can join the course's team, code a46lalh

Class schedule

CONTEMPORARY MORAL THEORIES (LM)

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

For all students, the exam will be oral.

Students attending classes: 1/3 of the final evaluation will depend on the quality of the discussion and of the oral presentation in class.

Students not attending classes: please, email Prof. Vaccarezza in due time to agree upon the reading list. 

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The oral exam will consist in an inteview on the topics of the course. 

The attainment of the main learnign outcomes will be assessed and discussed.

Exam schedule