Ethics

What is morality? What is happiness? What is a just society? Do obligations and norms make us unfree? Can value and cultural conflicts be solved? These are examples of ethical questions, and the course provides an introduction to ethical theories from Antiquity to present day society. Important names are Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Augustin, Hobbes, Hume, and Kant, in addition to more recent philosophers such as Habermas and Rawls. These philosophers introduce us to different answers to the main question of ethics: How should we live? Values and norms in the scientific community are discussed, and one approach is the question of what the “university “ ought to be. Ethical problems and challenges within the university’s various research areas/academic disciplines and the university’s professional studies are presented using examples and in light of ethical theories.

To become familiar with different answers to the main question of ethics: How should we live?

Lectures and seminars. In order to sit the exam, students must have one approved written assignment. The essay should be 3-6 pages in 12-point Times New Roman, 1.5 line spacing (1200-2400 words). Up to two students may cooperate on the essay. Four-hour written final exam.