PHIL 360H.001 – Honors History of Ethics

This course examines classic works in the history of moral philosophy, with emphasis on the modern period. Readings will include selections from St. Thomas Aquinas, Thomas Hobbes, Joseph Butler, David Hume, Immanuel Kant, and John Stuart Mill. The aim is to understand and discuss critically their views on such questions as these: What is justice? Are there universal moral standards that can guide our moral decisions? Are moral judgments based on sentiment or reason, or both?

Should we always try to promote the best consequences or should we avoid certain acts “whatever the consequences”? For advanced students who have had one or more of the lower division philosophy courses, preferably an introductory course in ethics or political philosophy.

Recommended prerequisite: PHIL 160.