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 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

A candidate who has passed the course is expected to have the following total learning outcomes according to the study plan's description of the course, defined as knowledge and skills:

Knowledge:

• knowledge of ethical discussions of central challenges in various fields today
• knowledge of historical trends 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:

• analyze and discuss contemporary ethical challenges with relevant moral philosophical approaches and concepts
• make use of relevant knowledge and perspectives from various sources and subjects in ethical discussion
• recognize contemporary ethical dilemmas, and exercise independent ethical judgement
• argue in a balanced and objective manner, orally and in writing

Learning methods and activities

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

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
• Up to three approved presentations

Required previous knowledge

None.

Course materials

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

Credit reductions