Faculty of Arts & Science 2016-2017 Calendar

Ethics (Centre for)

The Centre for Ethics at the University of Toronto fosters research, teaching and public discussion of the moral dimensions of contemporary individual, social and political life. We are committed to the proposition that universities have a distinctive capacity and responsibility to shed light on questions of the moral life, as well as to educate students for reflective citizenship. Fulfilling this responsibility requires that we promote and engage in dialogue about the theory and practice of ethics across disciplinary, cultural, religious and social divides. For information or to make an appointment for consultation contact the Assistant to the Director, 416-978-6288 or e-mail: ethics@utoronto.ca.

Ethics (Centre for) Courses

ETH201 is an introductory course in ethics. How should we live? Which course of action is the right one? When and why should we blame ourselves and/or others? We all have and exercise moral opinions; this course is about justifying them. The course begins with some critical reasoning skills, and then explores three major philosophical strategies for justifying moral beliefs. We will then examine some specific issues of moral and political significance, such as freedom of expression, counter-terrorism, and economic inequality, before concluding with some of the psychological mechanisms behind moral attitudes and behaviour.

An introductory survey of attempts that have been made to develop a formal model of practical rationality, with particular emphasis on the way moral considerations enter into those deliberations. Topics may include: utility-maximization theory, introductory game theory, consequentialism, and deontic reasoning, as well as the limitations of rationality.

A study of issues that arise at the intersection of psychology and moral philosophy. Why do people act morally? What role do reason and emotion play? Can we know what is right, yet not be motivated to do it? What role can science play in advancing our understanding of morality?

Is morality universal, or does it vary by time and place? This course will examine cultural differences in moral codes from both empirical and philosophical perspectives.

Selected topics in value theory, broadly construed (ethics, political theory, law).

The winter 2017 session will be structured around the concept of human dignity. The course will explore philosophical, legal, and historical interpretations of this concept. It will use dignity as a lens through which to examine issues including discrimination, multiculturalism, and human rights.

The seminar will expose advanced undergraduates to cutting edge research in ethics, legal theory, and political theory. It meets bi-weekly over the entire academic year. In the fall term, participants will attend research presentations by visiting scholars at the Centre for Ethics (topics will include bioethics, indigenous rights, equality and education, free speech, and workplace democracy). Students will also meet individually with the instructor (who will be the Centre’s Director) to plan an independent research project that is related to the theme of the course. In the winter term, students will present their research and discuss it with the other students in the seminar. (Note that this is an "H1Y" course -- a half-credit course taught throughout both Fall and Winter terms.)