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

Examples and Models in Ethics

This year, the course will focus on the role of exemplarity in ethics, explored from various angles. Starting from a historical perspective, it will move on to analyze contemporary forms of moral exemplarity, with particular focus on exemplarism as developed within virtue ethics, before turning to more specific questions: What is the role of examples in ethics? What are the forms of moral sainthood and heroism, both historically and as understood through different normative theories? What emotions are activated by encountering exemplarity, and what is their transformative potential? When does emulation become blind imitation, and when is it a driver of moral progress? What is the epistemic significance — beyond the ethical — of appealing to exemplars understood as moral experts? How is the ideal of exemplarity reconfigured in the digital age?

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Two mandatory volumes:

A. Colby & W. Damon, Some Do Care: Contemporary Lives of Moral Commitment, Free Press, New York, 1992

L. Zagzebski, Exemplarist Moral Theory, Oxford University Press, New York, 2017

NB: Attending students may replace the study of one of the two volumes with the presentation of an article (chosen from a list provided by the instructor at the beginning of the course) and a written paper of 3,000 words.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

October 2026

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.