2005 Handbooks

This unit provides a detailed introduction to three philosophers, Aristotle, Hume and Kant, whose ideas have had a major influence on contemporary ethics. The unit will focus in particular on their different conceptions of moral motivation. Aristotle's ethics centres on the role of virtuous character in living a good, flourishing human life. Topics to be discussed include the role of emotions and practical wisdom in Aristotle's conception of virtue; Aristotle's accounts of choice, moral responsibility and weakness of will; and the role of friendship in the good life. Hume claims that morality is a system of social conventions that builds on natural human desires and feelings. We will examine Hume's arguments for this view, and its implications, focusing in particular on Hume's account of the role of the passions in morality. Kant rejects Hume's naturalistic and social approach to morality, arguing that morality must be grounded in law-like rational principles. Topics to be discussed include Kant's conception of the moral law; whether Kant allows any role for emotions in moral deliberation and judgment; and Kant's conceptions of autonomy and freedom.