Centre for Ethics


Introduction

The Centre for Ethics at the University of Toronto fosters research, teaching and public discussion of the moral dimensions of contemporary individual, social and political life. We are committed to the proposition that universities have a distinctive capacity and responsibility to shed light on questions of the moral life, as well as to educate students for reflective citizenship. Fulfilling this responsibility requires that we promote and engage in dialogue about the theory and practice of ethics across disciplinary, cultural, religious and social divides. For information or to make an appointment for consultation contact the Assistant to the Director, 416-978-6288 or email: ethics@utoronto.ca.


Centre for Ethics Courses

ETH201H1 - Contemporary Moral Problems

Hours: 24L

ETH201 is an introductory course in ethics. How should we live? Which course of action is the right one? When and why should we blame ourselves and/or others? We all have and exercise moral opinions; this course is about justifying them. The course begins with some critical reasoning skills, and then explores philosophical strategies for justifying moral beliefs. We will then examine some specific issues of moral and political significance before concluding with psychological mechanisms behind moral attitudes and behaviour.

Distribution Requirements: Humanities
Breadth Requirements: Thought, Belief and Behaviour (2)

ETH210H1 - Rationality and Action

Hours: 36L

An introductory survey of attempts that have been made to develop a formal model of practical rationality, with particular emphasis on the way moral considerations enter into those deliberations. Topics may include: utility-maximization theory, introductory game theory, consequentialism, and deontic reasoning, as well as the limitations of rationality.

Distribution Requirements: Humanities
Breadth Requirements: Thought, Belief and Behaviour (2)

ETH220H1 - Moral Psychology

Hours: 36L

A study of issues that arise at the intersection of psychology and moral philosophy. Why do people act morally? What role do reason and emotion play? Can we know what is right, yet not be motivated to do it? What role can science play in advancing our understanding of morality?

Distribution Requirements: Humanities
Breadth Requirements: Thought, Belief and Behaviour (2)

ETH230H1 - Morality in Cross-Cultural Perspective

Hours: 24L

Is morality universal, or does it vary by time and place? This course will examine cultural differences in moral codes from both empirical and philosophical perspectives.

Distribution Requirements: Humanities
Breadth Requirements: Thought, Belief and Behaviour (2)

ETH350H1 - Topics in Value Theory

Hours: 24L

Selected topics in value theory, broadly construed (ethics, political theory, law). Consult the Centre for Ethics website for offering information.

Distribution Requirements: Humanities
Breadth Requirements: Thought, Belief and Behaviour (2)

ETH401H1 - Seminar in Ethics

Hours: 16L/16S

The seminar will expose advanced undergraduates to cutting edge research in ethics. It meets bi-weekly over the entire academic year. Participants will attend research presentations at the Centre for Ethics (topics have included bioethics, indigenous rights, equality and education, free speech, and workplace democracy). They will also meet individually with the instructor to plan an independent research project related to the theme of the course. In the winter term, students will present their research and discuss it with the other students in the seminar. (Note that this is an "H1Y" course -- a half-credit course taught throughout both Fall and Winter terms.)

Prerequisite: One of PHL365H1, PHL375H1, PHL271H1, POL200Y1 or an equivalent, POL330Y1 or an equivalent. Preference for enrolment will be given to students of the Department of Philosophy, the Department of Political Science, and Trinity College's program in Ethics, Society, and Law.
Distribution Requirements: Humanities, Social Science
Breadth Requirements: Thought, Belief and Behaviour (2)

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