74956 - Moral Philosophy B (1)

Learning outcomes

This course is mainly devoted to applied moral philosophy. At the end of the course, students will know what the main areas in this field are; appreciate the distinction between public and individual ethics, and the relationships between different approaches to moral and socio-philosophical thinking (e.g. normative ethics, care ethics, virtue ethics);under stand interactions of moral reflection with other kinds of intellectual endeavour, such as politics,culture and the arts, science, and the humanities;have studied in detail at least one chief topic among the intersections mentioned above;be familiar with the relevant literature; be able to properly use technical vocabulary.

Course contents

This module is an introduction to Aristotle’s moral psychology. We will closely examine the Nicomachean Ethics and, by discussing the central issue of how one becomes a morally virtuous person, we will gain some insights into Aristotle’s ideas on character and moral development.

Readings/Bibliography

Mandatory reading:

Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics. Translation, introduction, and commentary, edited by Sarah Broadie and Christopher Rowe, Oxford University Press 2002.

Aristotle, History of Animals. Books 7-10, edited and translated by D.M. Balme, Cambridge MA: Harvard University Press, 1991: Books VII (Gaza VIII) and Book VIII (Gaza IX).

 

Suggested reading (non-mandatory):

Mariska Leunissen, From Natural Character to Moral Virtue in Aristotle, OUP 2017.

John McDowell (2007) What Myth?, Inquiry, 50:4, 338-351.

Hubert L. Dreyfus (2007) The Return of the Myth of the Mental , Inquiry, 50:4, 352-36.

John McDowell (2007) Response to Dreyfus, Inquiry, 50:4, 366-370.

Hubert L. Dreyfus (2007) Response to McDowell, Inquiry, 50:4, 371-377.

Teaching methods

Lectures.

Assessment methods

Viva voce examination.

Grades will be distributed as follows: active participation during classes (20%), final examination (80%).

 

Office hours

See the website of Pia Campeggiani