Learn how philosophers like Socrates, Aristotle, Sartre and J.S.Mill can enhance your understanding of the good life, happiness and purpose. Working on your own, in groups and through tutor-led talks, you will work on your own vision of what makes life go well and how to put this into practice. No prior knowledge of philosophy required. |
Following on from last term's course on Moral Rights and Wrongs (an introduction will be provided for those who did not attend that course), we will continue the search for a principle that can justify us in saying a given action is morally right or morally wrong. If we agree, for example, that torturing babies is morally wrong, are we using an ethical standard that we have invented and which may only be appropriate to our time and culture, or is there a universal principle telling us that actions such as this are wrong for everybody and for all time? If there is such a principle, what is it? If there isn't such a principle, does this mean our morals are arbitrary? This course will explore some of the more recent attempts made by philosophers to provide a basis for judging ethical issues. |
Ward Street, Guildford GU1 4LH