PHI362 - Understanding Moral Obligation

Outline:

This module focuses on the issue of moral obligation, e.g. the obligation not to tell lies. How does this differ from other normative notions (e.g. obligations of reasoning or etiquette) and how it is to be explained and understood? We will look at a variety of theories of moral obligation, such as divine command theories, natural law theories, social command theories and others. We will also consider the views of critics of the notion, such as virtue theorists. Thinkers discussed will include Aristotle, Suarez, Pufendorf, Kant, Hegel and Kierkegaard, as well as more contemporary philosophers such as Anscombe, Korsgaard Darwall, and Adams.

Suggested Preliminary Reading:

Assessment:

Lecturer:

Timetable (Spring semester)