PHIL 23
Foundations of Ethics
Professor Vitrano
Theories in normative ethics attempt to explain and systematize our moral judgments. They also provide an account of our moral obligations and duties, suggesting a standard to regulate right and wrong conduct. In this course, we will examine some of the most influential historical ethical theories.
This course will begin with a study of the ancient Greek moralists, including Plato, Aristotle, the Epicureans, and the Stoics. We will then discuss the moral theories of Hobbes, Hume, Kant, Bentham, Mill and Sartre. We will also focus on several issues in modern ethical theory, including moral relativism, psychological egoism, the problem of moral luck, and whether it is desirable to be a moral saint.
If you have any questions or would like to talk about this course, stop by during office hours (room 3315) or email me at cvitrano@brooklyn.cuny.edu.
