Living the Good Life: Moral Philosophy and Today's Problems
Course Description
How do you tell the difference between right and wrong? How do you evaluate your own opinions and the opinions of others? This course explores the application of ethical theories to these perennially contentious and troubling real-world questions that everyone faces: By introducing you to the theories and concepts of moral analysis, in an approachable way, you will better understand the dilemmas that confront us. You will see how various philosophers through history have justified certain practices and policies while also showing what needs to be changed. We will examine what Thomas Aquinas and David Hume wrote about life and death, framing our modern understanding of subjects such as just war and suicide, and how that influenced 20th century thinkers like Judith Jarvis Thomson on abortion, James Rachels on euthanasia, and Peter Singer on animal rights. Many moral philosophers today consider population ethics to be the world’s most pressing set of problems, asking, what obligations do I have now towards future generations? We will explore how philosophers such as Derek Parfit and William MacAskill have some surprising answers, which may transform your thinking about issues such as environmental conservation, artificial intelligence, and existential risk.
In this course, which presupposes no prior knowledge of moral philosophy, and may be of interest to both philosophy majors and to others that are intellectually curious, you will learn to evaluate your own moral training and the values of others, learning to collaborate, sharing arguments and justifications. The course, which aims at accessibility, focuses on the intersection of philosophy and the real world, where critical thinking stretches out to connect with our real lives. As Descartes wrote about philosophy, “it is not from the roots or the trunks of trees that we gather the fruit, but only from the extremities of their branches.” (Principles of Philosophy, 1644)
Course Objectives
This course aims to introduce students to moral philosophy and demonstrate its relevance to their present lives and our communal future.
Intended Audience
Anyone who is intellectually curious and willing to reflect upon and enhance their own moral training and values, while collaborating with others.
Previous Knowledge
There is no prerequisite knowledge.
Transferable Knowledge and Skills
Students will acquire the following skills: critical thinking and decision-making skills; cultural and historical awareness; a heightened awareness of social and environmental impact.
Dr Kit Barton
Dr Kit Barton directed the Liberal Arts degree for Regent's University London, and is a longstanding member of the Society for European Philosophy. Currently lecturing at the London campus of the University of Monaco, as well as Regent's, Kit is originally from Canada, having completed his first degree at the University of King's College in Nova Scotia, Canada's oldest university, before completing his postgraduate studies in Europe. He has presented conference papers at many UK universities, including University of Oxford and at Peterhouse, Cambridge. As a specialist in applied ethics, he is a peer reviewer for the 'Journal of Business Ethics' and published in 'Philosophy of Management' and 'Radical Philosophy'.