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

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon completion of the course, the student will:
- Know the main ethical currents in 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 different foundational strategies of ethics and critically evaluate them;
- Address and analyze specialized texts, acquiring appropriate technical language; and
- Acquire greater ability to manage one's social interactions with a collaborative attitude, constructive communication and dialogical skills.
- Demonstrate work autonomy, ability to handle primary literature, argumentative skills and collaborative attitude, coordination and negotiation.

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

The course will alternate between lecturer-led face-to-face lectures and in-class presentations given by the attending students.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Ethics between evolution and progress

This year's course aims to introduce the debate on the relationship between ethics and evolution. The first part of the course will examine some classic positions on the topic (Darwin, Huxley, Spencer); the second part will explore a contemporary declination of the debate, concerning the metaethical implications of more recent models of the evolution of cooperation and moral cognition, with a focus on the ideas of knowledge and moral progress.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

6 cfu

1. One volume among the following:

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

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

2. Handouts (provided)

9 cfu

1. One volume among the following:

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

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

2. One volume among the following:

-        C. Darwin, L’origine dell’uomo, Newton Compton, Roma 1972, cap. 4.

-        T. Huxley, Evoluzione ed etica. Prolegomeni, in Evoluzione ed etica, Bollati Boringhieri 2020.

-        G.E. Moore, Principia Ethica, Bompiani, Milano 1964, cap. 2.

-        R. Dawkins, Il gene egoista, Mondadori 2022, cap. 1.

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

3. Handouts (provided)

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

MARIA SILVIA VACCAREZZA (President)

MICHEL CROCE

ROBERTO CELADA BALLANTI (Substitute)

LESSONS

LESSONS START

October 2023

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The oral examination will cover the course content. 

Students attending classes: 1/2 of the final evaluation will depend on the quality of the discussion and of the oral presentation in class. Study of the second text can be replaced by a written essay of 3000-4000 words, on a topic assigned by the lecturer during classes.

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

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The oral examination will consist of an interview on the course content. 

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

Exam schedule