FIL2310 – Normative Ethics and Metaethics

Course content

Moral philosophy (ethics) can be divided, from the more theoretical to the more practical, into metaethics, normative ethics, and applied ethics. In this course, we explore central themes in metaethics and normative ethics. The course might have special focus on either metaethics or normative ethics at different semesters. Metaethics describes morality from different philosophical perspectives, such as semantics, ontology, and epistemology. The following type of issues are discussed: What is the meaning of moral terms (such as ‘right’, ‘wrong’) and moral sentences? Are moral sentences true or false? Are there any moral properties or facts in the world that can make them true? If so, what are they like? Is it possible to know what objects have these properties? If so, how do we reach such knowledge? Normative ethics concerns what ultimately explains the moral status of actions. The following type of issues are discussed: Is only consequences of actions relevant to determine their moral status? If not, what other aspects are morally significant? What is it that makes a person’s life good or bad? What is it that makes a state of affair good or bad?

Learning outcome

After having completed the course you are expected to:

• be able to demonstrate a thorough insight in problems of metaethics and/or normative ethics, and also be able to discuss different views critically in writing

• be able to demonstrate an overview of differences, similarities and connections between different views within metaethics and/or normative ethics

• be able to give critical assessments of the different views

Admission to the course

Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for in Studentweb.

If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures.

Recommended previous knowledge

We reccomend that you complete FIL1003 - Innføring i etikk before taking this course. A certain knowledge in metaphysics, FIL1001 - innføring i metafysikk/bevissthetsfilosofi, is also an advantage, but not essential.

Teaching

12 double sessions which will be a combination of seminars and lectures. Active participation is expected. The course has the following compulsory activities:

• Short, weekly reflection papers to submit in Canvas. You must submit a minimum of 8 out of 10 papers.

This is how you apply for a valid absence from the seminar / postponement of compulsory activities.

The teaching activities are only valid the semester they are completed.

Examination

A term paper of 10-12 pages, excl literature list. You are entitled to individual tutoring.

You submit the term paper in Inspera.

All compulsory activities must be approved as satisfactory in order to submit the exam.

Assessment criteria spring 2019.

Language of examination

You may write your examination paper in Norwegian, Swedish, Danish or English.

Grading scale

Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail. Read more about the grading system.

More about examinations at UiO

• Use of sources and citations
• Special exam arrangements due to individual needs
• Withdrawal from an exam
• Illness at exams / postponed exams
• Explanation of grades and appeals
• Resitting an exam
• Cheating/attempted cheating

You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.