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.
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.
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.
A previous basic knowledge of the main classic ethical theories and problems is required, as well as the knowledge of some essential readings.
The course will alternate between lecturer-led face-to-face lectures and in-class presentations given by the attending students.
Expanding the circle: extensions of altruism and future generations
According to some theorists, humanity's moral progress should necessarily pass through an 'expansion of the circle' of moral consideration. That is, an extension of the narrow limits of moral tribalism in the direction of a form of altruism extended to subjects far away in space and time and to non-human subjects. In this course, starting from Peter Singer's original formulation, we will analyse various 'classical' theories of psychological altruism and discuss some of the more recent moral theories focusing on moral altruism, such as effective altruism, intelligent altruism and long-termism.
Two volumes among the following:
- P. Singer, The Expanding Circle. Ethics, Evolution, and Moral Progress
- P. Singer, Animal Liberation
- P. Singer, The Most Good You Can Do: How Effective Altruism Is Changing Ideas About Living Ethically
- W. MacAskill, What We Owe the Future: A Million-Year View
- J. Greene, Moral Tribes: Emotion, Reason and the Gap Between Us and The
Ricevimento: Monday 3pm-5pm (by prior appointment)
FEDERICO ZUOLO (President)
CORRADO FUMAGALLI
MARIA SILVIA VACCAREZZA (President Substitute)
Paolo BODINI (Substitute)
MICHEL CROCE (Substitute)
October 2024
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.
The oral examination will consist of an interview on the course content.
The attainment of the main learning outcomes will be assessed and discussed.
