Course content

In this course, student groups carry out empirical ethics projects by means of data collection, ethics-relevant practice within companies or organizations, and/or by participating in a research project. In the course, we review, evaluate, and apply various methods in theoretical and empirical ethics, including research ethics. The relationship between empirical ethics and other types of empirical approaches is discussed in the course. The course aims to develop students' ability to design and conduct empirical research that is suitable for illuminating normative issues.

Learning outcome

According to the course curriculum, a candidate who passes this course is expected to have the following learning outcome, defined as knowledge and skills:

Knowledge:

• overview of theoretical and empirical methods in ethics
• knowledge of basic discussions in empirical ethics
• knowledge of ethical issues and literature in a chosen field
• understanding of research ethics

Skills:

• justify methodological choices, and discuss methodology based on metaethics and theory of science
• formulate and investigate a specific ethical issue in a fruitful and research ethically sound manner
• discuss the significance of empirical findings based on relevant literature
• contribute constructively to group collaboration

Learning methods and activities

Lectures, project seminars, project work, presentations, supervision, self-study. The students work in project groups with a self-chosen problem, design and carry out a study, and write a project report together. Project presentation during and at the end of the project period, with feedback from the other groups.

In order to sit the exam, 80 % attendance (lectures and project seminars), up to three approved group presentations and up to three approved individual assignments are required. The obligatory activity can only be approved the semester the course is taught, but is valid for this and the subsequent semester.

Compulsory assignments

• 80 % attendance
• Project presentations
• Individual assignments

Required previous knowledge

None.

Course materials

The required reading list will be available at the beginning of the semester.