This module is a resource for lecturers
Guidelines to develop a stand-alone course
This Module provides an outline for a three-hour class, but there is potential to develop its topics further into a stand-alone course. The scope and structure of such a course will be determined by the specific needs of each context, but a possible structure is presented here as a suggestion. It is based on the textbook of Rachels & Rachels (2012).
Session |
Topic |
Brief description |
1 |
Introduction |
Dealing with ethical dilemmas and introducing the concept of integrity |
2 |
Substantive versus meta-ethics |
Distinction between substantive and meta-ethics |
3 |
Cultural relativism |
Dealing with the issue of different cultures and different moral codes |
4 |
Subjectivism and egoism |
Subjectivism, emotivism and reason |
5 |
Social contract theory |
Hobbes, the prisoner's dilemma |
6 |
Utilitarianism |
Overview of theory and main philosophers, with examples of application to specific cases |
7 |
Deontology |
Overview of theory and main philosophers, with examples of application to specific cases |
8 |
Virtue ethics |
Overview of theory and main philosophers, with examples of application to specific cases |