Applied Ethics

How far should we go in punishing the guilty? What kind of moral issues surround our increasing use of technology? Should the state help facilitate the death of the terminally ill?

We all bring our own, often very emotional experiences, to these debates. And that’s true of many of the topics which we cover in the 10-week Applied Ethics course starting in January.

Applied Ethics aims to focus on the arguments that are used in these controversial topics as well as the facts. Looking at the argument structure which lies below the surface of heated discussion may not change your mind but at least you will have a better understanding of where the ‘opposite’ side is coming from. Or perhaps it will help you develop a more nuanced view.

I’m Elizabeth Drummond Young; a teaching fellow in Philosophy at the University and I look forward to welcoming you on the course. If you’ve taken part in other philosophy courses, here is a great way to put some of that knowledge to practical use as we examine some classic papers in Applied Ethics. If you haven’t done any philosophy before, it’s an excellent entry to the subject. You’ll learn about different moral theories in this very dynamic practical setting. There’s nothing like having a strong opinion to motivate you to formulate it in a powerful and compelling way!

The topics are sensitive, but the course is a space in which we can share sometimes opposing views in a kind and understanding way. I’ve learnt a lot from participants in the past who bring their passion and life experience to this practical application of philosophy. Come and join us in January!