Jonathan Wolff

Department of Philosophy

University College London

2006-7

Monday, 2.00 p.m.

B15 Lecture Theatre: Anatomy Building

 

Introduction to Moral Philosophy

 

Moral Philosophy is, of course, the philosophical study of morality. Although part of its subject matter is the question ‘what should I do?’ this is only part. Further questions include ‘what are values?’; ‘what is the meaning of the terms “good” and “bad”?’; ‘is morality objective?’: ‘why should I be moral?’ and a whole host of other issues, many of which will seem to have little immediate relation to everyday questions of right and wrong.

 

The lectures will begin by exploring some common philosophical assumptions about morality, and placing them in a context of a wider philosophical debate, and particularly some challenges to morality discussed by Plato. After a few weeks on these topics we will then move on to explore the views of some of the great moral philosophers, working backwards through history with John Stuart Mill, Immanuel Kant, David Hume, and Aristotle. Finally we will explore some of the writings of Frederick Nietzsche.

 

 

Readings Term 1

 

Term 1:

Weeks 1-5

 

Plato, Republic Book II

A.J. Ayer, Language Truth and Logic, Chapter 6

Bernard Williams, ‘Egoism and Altruism’ in his Problems of the Self

Bernard Williams Relativism, in his Morality: An Introduction to Ethics

 

Weeks 6-10

John Stuart Mill Utilitarianism

Bernard Williams ‘A Critique of Utilitarianism’ in J.J.C. Smart and Bernard Williams Utilitarianism For and Against

Roger Crisp Routledge Philosophical Guidebook to Mill and Utilitarianism

 

Term 2

 

Immanuel Kant The Moral Law: Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals (translated by H.J. Paton)

 

Further readings, most likely from Hume and Aristotle, will be supplied later.

 

Main Background Reading

 

Bernard Williams Morality: An Introduction to Ethics

Alasdair MacIntyre: A Short History of Ethics

 

Other recommended introductory books

 

Piers Benn Ethics (Fundamentals of Philosophy)

 

This is a well-written text that covers much of the ground discussed in these lectures.

 

David Wiggins Ethics: Twelve Lectures in the Philosophy of Morals

 

Wiggins is a leading contemporary moral philosopher, noted for the subtlety of his views. He has recently published this book which is intended as an introduction, and it does cover many of the thinkers and issues we will be discussing. However not everyone will find it as easy to read as some introductory books, but it can be very rewarding.

 

 

J.L. Mackie, Ethics: Inventing Right and Wrong

 

A classic introductory work, famous for introducing the ‘error’ theory of ethics; the view that ordinary moral judgements pre-suppose a false moral objectivity.

 

Bernard Williams, Ethics and the Limits of Philosophy

 

Somewhat more advanced. A very important contribution to moral philosophy in its own right.