In this introduction to ethics, we shall be considering the underpinnings of ethical thought. We shall consider, for example, what it is for an action to be right or wrong, whether we can have moral knowledge and whether freewill is essential to morality. We shall reflect on four key ethical theories (virtue ethics, deontology, non-cognitivism and utilitarianism), looking at both their strengths and their weaknesses. We shall be looking at morality in the context of the individual and the context of society.

Latest episodes of the podcast A Romp Through Ethics for Complete Beginners

• Rules, truths and theories: an introduction to ethical reasoning
• Rules, truths and theories: an introduction to ethical reasoning (Slides)
• Freedom, knowledge and society: the preconditions of ethical reasoning
• Freedom, knowledge and society: the preconditions of ethical reasoning (Slides)
• Virtue Ethics: virtue, values and character
• Virtue Ethics: virtue, values and character (Slides)
• Humean Ethics: Non-Cognitivism, the passions and moral motivation
• Humean Ethics: Non-Cognitivism, the passions and moral motivation (Slides)
• Deontology: Kant, duty and the moral law
• Deontology: Kant, duty and the moral law (Slides)
• Utilitarianism: Mill and the utility calculus
• Utilitarianism: Mill and the utility calculus (Slides)
• Making Up Your Mind
• Making Up Your Mind (Slides)
• Further reading and more... (Other Resource)