PHIL 360H.001 – Honors: Major Developments in Ethics: Historical and Philosophical Perspectives

Instructor: Douglas MacLean. This course meets TR 2:00 – 3:15 p.m. in PE 2066.

This course examines classic works in the history of Western moral philosophy, beginning with the ancient Greeks.  Readings will include selections from Plato, Aristotle, Thomas Hobbes, David Hume, Immanuel Kant, John Stuart Mill, and some contemporary philosophers.  We will discuss their views on such matters as the nature of moral virtue, the requirements of justice, and the demands of moral obligation. We will also be asking how the very idea and goals of morality have changed through history and how they bring into focus some fundamental questions about morality, such as: Are moral claims objective?  And should morality always aim at producing the best outcomes?

This course is intended for advanced students who have had one or more of the lower division philosophy courses, preferably an introductory course in ethics or political philosophy.

Honors course enrollment and wait list procedures are located here. Please direct all registration questions to Jenn Marshburn (jenn.marshburn@unc.edu), Enrolled Student Services Coordinator for Honors Carolina.

Prerequisite: 1 PHIL course.