Teaching code

4S007333

Teacher

Carlo Chiurco

Coordinator

Carlo Chiurco

Credits

6

Language

Italian

Scientific Disciplinary Sector (SSD)

M-FIL/03 - MORAL PHILOSOPHY

Period

Sem. 1A dal Sep 27, 2021 al Nov 6, 2021.

Lessons timetable Moodle Seminars 0

Learning outcomes

1) Knowledge and understanding of the psychological theories on the fundamental processes, according to which individuals interact with, and adapt to, their material and social environment; 2) Knowledge and understanding of the theories on psychological dynamics within working environments and in organisations, including personal motivations, satisfaction, and well-being; 3) Knowledge and understanding of work processes, the legal aspects that regulate them, and related ethical aspects; 4) Applying the different perspectives of law, sociology of work, ethics and anthropology to read and understand diversity and migration, in order to favor and support processes of social and cultural inclusion. SPECIFIC LEARNING OUTCOMES. a) To develop the ability to autonomously express statements about the different ways human interaction occurs within a social and material environment from an ethical perspective. In particular, students will focus on human self-realization (both as individuals and as a society) in the practical sphere, especially at work; b) To develop sufficient communicative skills and comprehension abilities so to enable students to apply general ethical notions to some of the main moral issues of present-day world, especially inclusivity, defense of pluralism, and valorization of difference(s).

Program

TOPICS OF THE COURSE
Title of the course: Dilemmas. Why bioethics is so important for our lives
The course will consist of two parts. The first will deal with a short but comprehensive history of moral philosophy, presenting the ethical thinking of some of the greatest philosophers (Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, medieval ethics, modern ethics, Kant, Nietzsche, contemporary ethics) as well as the main ethical questions discussed by philosophers through the centuries, such as good, evil, happiness, must, and justice.
The second part will deal with bioethics’ main issues. Though relatively recent, bioethics deals with questions both socially divisive and concerning us closely, such as end-of-life or genetic manipulation. But a global world requires global solutions: for instance, is it really possible to separate the above-mentioned problems from present-day ecological crisis? This is why bioethics has rethought itself by leaving aside specialistic approaches, favouring instead a vision both global and all-encompassing.

TEACHING
Students attending the classes will receive a) the basic theoretical and historical notions on the various forms in which the ethical reflection has been shaped within the context of Western civilization, and b) an analysis of the topics addressed in the second part of the course, which may feature lectures provided on specific issues by experts. Beside the texts found in the bibliography, the audio files of the lessons together with any file posted on the Moodle platform are a compulsory part of the studying material.
Meeting hours for students are scheduled during the whole academic year: days and hours may be found at the personal webpage of the teacher, and they are constantly updated. Dates and hours of the single lessons are provided before the beginning of the course; any variation will be promptly communicated in the News section of the teacher’s personal webpage, and by email via the Quickmail tool of the Moodle platform.
As for those students who will not attend classes, they can choose a more personal approach to the course (to be jointly decided with the teacher) by reading other texts in addition to the general bibliography.
Texts are the same for all students, be they attending or not:
− Francesca Marin, L’agenda della bioetica. Problemi e prospettive, Il poligrafo, Padova 2019. Only the chapters: I capitoli: Sull'utilizzo dell'aggettivo 'globale'; I diversi significati di salute; La relazione di cura.

Bibliography

Examination Methods

EXAMINATIONS
The final examination will consist of a written test, which will comprise ten multi-choice questions (only one answer is correct, for a score of 1/30 each) and two open questions (maximum score 10/30 each), aimed to ascertain students’ knowledge on the following topics: 1) history of Western ethics; 2) knowledge on the subjects dealt with in the second part of the course.
The same rules apply for students who do NOT attend the classes. The test will last two hours.
NB: In case of a low turnout, the examination will be oral: students will be promptly informed of any variation in the News section of the teacher’s personal webpage, and by email via the Quickmail tool of the Moodle platform.
As a consequence of the persistence of the emergency determined by the CoViD-19 pandemic, the modality of the final examination might change: in this case, students will be informed in advance of any modification that might occur.