Course content

The course introduces ethical discussions of key challenges in various fields today, and historical roots and lines of development of these discussions. Relevant fields are climate and environment, medicine and health, art and literature, artificial intelligence and information technology, agriculture and aquaculture, animals and nature, business and economics, and biotechnology.

Ethical challenges in these kinds of fields are examined based on a rich supply of sources, including the mass media, reports, legislation, and literature from philosophy and other disciplines. In the course, we also examine the interplay between general moral-philosophical approaches, and ethical discussion in specific fields: In what ways do these illuminate and develop each other? The course aims to strengthen students' ability to apply theoretical knowledge to contemporary ethical and societal challenges.

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:

• knowledge of ethical discussions of key challenges in various fields today
• knowledge of historical development lines in these discussions
• knowledge of technological, political, legal, cultural and other normatively relevant contexts in these fields
• knowledge of positions and issues that are common to several fields

Skills:

• analyse and discuss contemporary ethical challenges with relevant moral-philosophical approaches and concepts
• utilize relevant knowledge and perspectives from various sources and disciplines in ethical discussions
• recognize ethical dilemmas in the present, and exercise independent ethical judgment
• argue in a balanced and fair way, both orally and in writing

Learning methods and activities

Lectures, assignment writing, presentations, supervision and self-study.

In order to sit the exam, 80% attendance at lectures as well as an approved assignment and presentation is required. The assignment is a chronicle of 5000-6000 characters, including spaces. The presentation is a presentation of the chronicle at the lectures. 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
• Approved assignment
• Approved presentation

Required previous knowledge

None.

Course materials

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