APPLIED MORAL AND ETHICAL THEORIES

Moral Theories and Applied Ethics

The course in Moral Theories and Applied Ethics is structured into two distinct yet closely interrelated components:

1. The study of the history of moral philosophy, from its origins to the present day;

2. The examination of contemporary applied ethics, that is, those branches of philosophical reflection derived from the practical application of moral theories and principles to specific areas of human existence, with particular attention to life (bios) and, more generally, to the living world.

Special emphasis is placed on current ethical issues, addressed through interactive class discussions and group activities (flipped classroom, cooperative learning, focus groups, philosophy for community), designed to foster critical engagement and shared reflection.

Overall, the course aims to provide students with a deep understanding of the moral dimension of philosophical thought throughout its historical development, enabling them to recognize its continuity and evolution up to the contemporary age.
Alongside historical and theoretical knowledge, students will develop critical awareness of the most pressing ethical issues of our time, in which moral philosophy finds concrete application: from medical bioethics to business ethics, from gender ethics to environmental ethics, from communication ethics to care ethics.

The course contributes to the achievement of the following learning outcomes, in accordance with the Dublin Descriptors:

1. Knowledge and Understanding

• Acquisition of an in-depth knowledge of the main moral theories and their historical development.

• Understanding of the concepts and methodologies of applied ethics in different domains of individual and collective life.

2. Applying Knowledge and Understanding

• Ability to apply moral principles to the analysis of concrete cases and contemporary ethical dilemmas.

• Capacity to critically interpret and evaluate bioethical, environmental, economic, and social issues.

3. Making Judgements

• Development of an independent and reflective critical capacity in assessing moral behaviours and ethical choices.

• Ability to formulate well-founded, conscious, and responsible judgments.

4. Communication Skills

• Ability to argue ethical positions clearly, coherently, and rigorously.

• Attitude towards dialogue and constructive debate in academic and social contexts.

5. Learning Skills

• Development of methodological tools for the autonomous study and deepening of moral issues.

• Inclination to pursue further study and research in the field of ethics and moral philosophy (e.g., dissertation, doctoral research, advanced academic work).

First part (historical-theoretical section)

- Antonio Da Re, Filosofia morale. Stori, teorie, argomenti. Quarta edizione. Pearson, Milano 2023

Second part (monographic section)

Adriano Fabris, Etiche applicate. Una guida, Carocci, Roma 2017 (those who choose not to take the in itinere test will have to study the whole text; those who decide to take the in itinere test will choose one of the five parts into which the text is divided or will choose a specific study on one of the topics covered, agreeing this with the teacher)

Assessment activities will be carried out during the second part of the course, which focuses on applied ethics.
They will consist of individual or group presentations (PowerPoint, video production, or other formats to be agreed upon with the instructor), based on the recommended readings (in particular, the in-depth study text: Fabris).

These assessments are not mandatory.
Students who choose not to take part in the in-course assessments may complete the examination by taking a final oral exam covering the entire course content.