Foundations of Ethics [2527]
This course introduces the philosophical foundations of ethics through a close reading of the major works of Plato and Aristotle. It begins by defining ethics as a branch of philosophy concerned with the rational search for the good, before examining the origins of ethical thought in ancient Greece.
Course code: 2527
Professor: Dr. Javier Enrique CarreñoGeneral Information
- Credits: 6 ECTS
- Prerequisites: baccalaureate level or equivalent; proficiency in English
- Learning format: asynchronous distance learning – 100% e-learning
- Language of instruction: English
- Course access: available at any time of year
- Disability liaison officer: Cécile Boucherle
Course Overview
This course introduces the philosophical foundations of ethics through a close reading of the major works of Plato and Aristotle. It begins by defining ethics as a branch of philosophy concerned with the rational search for the good, before examining the origins of ethical thought in ancient Greece. The course explores Plato's dialogues, particularly the Euthyphro and the Republic, to investigate justice, virtue, the Good, and moral education. It then turns to Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics, focusing on happiness, virtue, habituation, practical wisdom, moral responsibility, friendship, and the contemplative life. Throughout, the course emphasizes ethical reasoning rather than the study of contemporary moral debates, enabling students to understand the classical foundations of Western ethical philosophy.
Learning Outcomes
This course enables you to:
- explain the philosophical nature and purpose of ethics and distinguish ethical reflection from morality;
- discover the principal ethical concepts developed by Plato and Aristotle, including justice, virtue, happiness, practical wisdom, and the Good;
- interpret key philosophical texts from the Euthyphro, the Republic, and the Nicomachean Ethics within their conceptual framework; and
- construct reasoned ethical arguments by applying the methods of philosophical analyse, conceptual clarification, and critical reflection presented throughout the course.
Course Competencies
This course is linked to the following competency:
- Conduct a rigorous ethical and aesthetic analysis, including on contemporary issues.
Course Outline
Section 1: Introduction to the Foundations of Ethics
Section 2: Plato's Euthyphro
Section 3: Plato's Republic 1
Section 4: Plato's Republic 2 & 7
Section 5: Plato's Republic 6 & 9
Section 6: Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics 1
Section 7: Nicomachean Ethics 2 and Moral Virtue
Section 8: Nicomachean Ethics 6
Section 9: Nicomachean Ethics 7
Section 10: Nicomachean Ethics 8 and 10
Section 11: Conclusion
Assessment Methods
Course assessment is based on:
- tracking and completion of the course and of all learning activities. These activities, designed as essential practice and learning exercises, may be completed multiple times and are not factored into the final grade; and
- the final assessment quiz, which constitutes the graded evaluation.
Learning Format
The course is taught entirely online via the MyDomuni platform, accessible 24/7.
Learning resources include:
- written course materials;
- supplementary documents and, depending on the content, video resources;
- interactive learning activities (quizzes, exercises); and
- a discussion forum with the course instructor and fellow participants.
Prerequisites
This course is open to anyone with a general level of education equivalent to the baccalaureate, or with personal or academic experience related to the topics covered.
A good command of written English is recommended to facilitate understanding of the content and participation in the activities offered.
Accessibility
The course is accessible at any time, from any internet-connected device, via the MyDomuni platform.
For students with disabilities, specific support can be arranged upon request to ensure equitable access to course content and activities.
Disability liaison officer: cecile.boucherle@domuni.eu.
Selective Bibliography
- Julia Annas, The Morality of Happiness, Oxford, Oxford University Press, 1993.
- Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics, translated by Terence Irwin, 3rd ed., Indianapolis, IN, Hackett Publishing, 2019.
- Plato, Complete Works, edited by John M. Cooper, Indianapolis, IN, Hackett Publishing, 1997.
- C. D. C. Reeve, Action, Contemplation, and Happiness: An Essay on Aristotle, Cambridge, MA, Harvard University Press, 2012.
- Christopher Rowe, Plato and the Art of Philosophical Writing, Cambridge, Cambridge University Press, 2007.