Teacher(s)
Language
French
Prerequisites
The prerequisite(s) for this Teaching Unit (Unité d’enseignement – UE) for the programmes/courses that offer this Teaching Unit are specified at the end of this sheet.
Learning outcomes
At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to : | |
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Content
After a general introduction to contemporary economic ethics, each section of the course provides a detailed presentation of the major theories of distributive justice, which are applied, whenever possible, to concrete economic issues. For example: Is it unfair to tax the most productive members of society with the aim of transfering resources to the less productive? Do we have a moral duty to donate a portion of our income to development aid NGOs? Would it be fair to provide everyone with an unconditional basic income?
These questions may be examined through a single ethical perspective, but also by drawing on several of the theories of justice presented throughout the course. Students are encouraged to compare and critically assess these theories in order to reach a reflective equilibrium based on their own moral intuitions.
In the 2026-2027 academic year, the ethical perspectives explored in the course will be applied in particular to the crucial and highly debated issue of migration.
The main sections of the course will be as follows (subject to change):
- General introduction
- Utilitarianism
- Meritocracy
- Marxism
- Libertarianism
- Liberal-egalitarianism
These questions may be examined through a single ethical perspective, but also by drawing on several of the theories of justice presented throughout the course. Students are encouraged to compare and critically assess these theories in order to reach a reflective equilibrium based on their own moral intuitions.
In the 2026-2027 academic year, the ethical perspectives explored in the course will be applied in particular to the crucial and highly debated issue of migration.
The main sections of the course will be as follows (subject to change):
- General introduction
- Utilitarianism
- Meritocracy
- Marxism
- Libertarianism
- Liberal-egalitarianism
Teaching methods
Lectures are delivered in the form of presentations by the professor, supported by PowerPoint slides. The slides are made available through Moodle. Active participation by students is encouraged, especially when discussing concrete economic issues. Attendance is therefore strongly recommended.
Presentations by guest speakers may also be organized during the semester. Where applicable, these presentations likewise form part of the examination material.
In addition, students may be required to read articles or a book related to one or more sections of the course. Where applicable, these compulsory readings constitute an integral part of the examination material.
Presentations by guest speakers may also be organized during the semester. Where applicable, these presentations likewise form part of the examination material.
In addition, students may be required to read articles or a book related to one or more sections of the course. Where applicable, these compulsory readings constitute an integral part of the examination material.
Evaluation methods
The examination is a written exam. The examination covers all course material, including authors, theories, historical developments, and other topics discussed in class. Where applicable, it also includes the content of mandatory readings and any presentations delivered by guest speakers. For detailed information regarding the examination format and sample questions, students are required to consult the examination guidelines posted on Moodle.
Faculty or entity
