Topics in Philosophy (242-0-70)

Topic

Morality and the Good Life

Instructors

Torsten Menge

Meeting Info

Northwestern Qatar Room 3-203: Mon, Wed 11:30AM - 12:45PM (AST)

Overview of class

Introduction to Ethics. This course is an introduction to the philosophical study of ethics. We will think about what makes our lives go well: Is it enjoyable experiences, being free, having friends, living truly, or something else? We will explore what it means to be moral, think about the relationship between morality and religion, and discuss what reasons we have to be moral. In the final part of the class, we are going to discuss a number of contemporary moral issues. These may include: abortion, euthanasia, the rights of people with disabilities, how to resist injustice and oppression, recreational drug use, family and marriage, sexuality, punishment, the treatment of animals, the moral limits of markets. Throughout the class we will be engaging with historical and contemporary arguments, but the aim of this class is not primarily to study the ideas of others. Rather, you will acquire the skills and tool to join an ongoing conversation about what it means to lead a good life and to be a good person. To that end, you will practice and refine your abilities to critically read, listen, think, argue, and write.

Registration Requirements

Prerequisites: None

Open to First-Year Students and sophomores

Open for Cross-Registration

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: NUQ: Seats are reserved for Sophomore and Freshmen only.