Studies in the History of Ethical and Political Theory (362-0-21)
Instructors
Kyla Sue Ebels Duggan
847/467-0437
Kresge 3-437
Meeting Info
Fisk Hall 114: Tues, Thurs 2:00PM - 3:20PM
Overview of class
Modern Moral Philosophy
At the beginning of the modern era, in 1625, Hugo Grotius asked how we could possibly have any obligations if there were no God. In 1958, Elizabeth Anscombe argued that there was no such possibility. But in the intervening centuries many philosophers thought otherwise. We will trace the development of modern moral philosophers' attempts to make sense of the idea of obligation. We will focus on the British Rationalist and Sentimentalist traditions and end with Immanuel Kant's theory of autonomy--that we impose obligations on ourselves.
Registration Requirements
Students should have at least one prior philosophy class in which they have written papers (not, eg, 150, 250, 350, or other formal classes).
Learning Objectives
Understand and evaluate rationalist, sentimentalist, and Kantian accounts of moral obligation.
Teaching Method
Class will be structured discussion--lectures with plenty of opportunity for discussion.
Evaluation Method
Final exam in class
Class Materials (Required)
Class materials must be purchased.
British Moralists 1650-1800, DD Raphael, ed (two volumes)
Class Materials (Suggested)
Christine Korsgaard, The Sources of Normativity; Stephen Darwall, Modern Moral Philosophy; J.B. Schneewind, The Invention of Autonomy
Class Notes
Final exam in class
Enrollment Requirements
Enrollment Requirements: Reserved for Graduate Students.