PHIL2612 Moral Problems

This topic is an introduction to the philosophical study of controversial moral issues. Topics studied may include animal rights, abortion and infanticide, euthanasia, war, terrorism, torture, affirmative action and censorship, among others. Careful attention will be paid to the underlying conceptual assumptions of the field.

This topic aims to:

• Introduce students to the underlying concepts of mainstream applied ethics, such as utility, rights, flourishing, autonomy and personhood, and to critical perspectives on these concepts
• Introduce students to the application of these concepts to a number of controversial contemporary moral problems: e.g. animal rights, abortion and infanticide, euthanasia, war, terrorism, torture, affirmative action and censorship, among others
• Acquaint students with some classic papers and arguments on these topics
• Improve students' capacity for clear thinking and writing on philosophical topics

1. Explain clearly and accurately the basic concepts of applied ethics, such as utility, rights, flourishing, autonomy and personhood, and to critical perspectives on these concepts
2. Explain clearly and accurately the arguments applying these concepts to a number of controversial contemporary moral problems: e.g. animal rights, abortion and infanticide, euthanasia, war, terrorism, torture, affirmative action and censorship, among others
3. Discuss and appraise some classic papers and arguments on these topics
4. Demonstrate improved clarity and rigour of philosophical thought