Moral Philosophy (Advanced Studies)

Teacher(s)

Dishaw Samuel;

Language

French

Prerequisites

The course assumes a basic formation in moral philosophy and a good knowledge (at least passive) of English.

Main themes

In order to reach the goals that have been set the course will focus each year on a different theme that will allow the relationships beteween different orientations in philosophical ethics to be seen concrete issues of applied ethics and methodological reflection.
The conceptual analysis will be accompanied by case studies.

Learning outcomes

At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to :
1	Write a short but philosophically substantial critical analysis of a journal article in moral philosophy
2	Lead discussion in a seminar-setting, by briefly summarizing, and then critically examining, a particular argument or claim advanced by an author
3	Understand the main theoretical currents in contemporary analytic moral philosophy century (utilitarianism; deontology; anti-moralism), as well as some of the particular topics on which these different theoretical approaches have clashed.

Content

En 2025-2026, ce séminaire portera sur la relation entre la moralité impartiale et les relations interpersonnelles (par exemple, l'amitié et les relations familiales). Dans la première partie du cours, nous examinerons ce qui donne à ces relations leur valeur, ainsi que la nature des obligations qui y sont associées. Dans la deuxième partie du cours, nous examinerons la thèse selon laquelle la moralité elle-même est un système de relations interpersonnelles : une relation dans laquelle nous nous situons par rapport à tout autre être humain en tant que tel. Nous examinerons ensuite plusieurs objections à cette thèse, notamment celles d'auteurs que nous aurons lus dans la première partie du cours, qui soulignent les contrastes importants, ainsi que les conflits potentiels, entre les relations interpersonnelles et les exigences plus impartiales de la moralité.

Teaching methods

Our seminar will be structured around group discussions. We will read between 20 and 30 pages of dense philosophical work every week.
Each session will also feature oral presentations by students on a specific aspect of the readings. These oral presentations will be based on a short written reflection prepared ahead of class.

Evaluation methods

Continuous evaluation (to conclude in January 2026). Please note: you'll only be able to validate the course once per academic year. 
The course evaluation will be based on the following:
(i) Three short written entries (1-2 pages), including their oral presentation in class (3 x 25%)
(ii) Class participation, including careful reading of weekly essays (25%)

Online resources

The course syllabus as well as all readings will be available online via Moodle.

Faculty or entity

> EFIL