S0511 Introduction to Ethical Theory

The course offers an historical as well as systematic introduction to ethical theory. Historically it covers the theories of Aristotle, Hobbes, Hume, Kant, Mill, Sidwick, Rawls, and MacIntyre. In systematic terms seminal texts from these authors are used to explain and discuss the major claims of Virtue Ethics (Aristotle, MacIntyre), Utilitarianism (Mill, Sidgwick), Kantianism (Kant, O\'Neill), Contractualism (Hobbes, Rawls), and Metaethics (G.E. Moore).