PHIL201 ETHICS I

Course Code:2410201
METU Credit (Theoretical-Laboratory hours/week):4 (4.00 - 0.00)
ECTS Credit:6.0
Department:Philosophy
Language of Instruction:English
Level of Study:Undergraduate
Course Coordinator:Res.Dr. SELMA AYDIN BAYRAM
Offered Semester:Fall Semesters.

Course Objectives

This course offers an introductory survey to various ethical theories within the history of western philosophy, including virtue ethics, deontology, utilitarianism, social contract theory, feminist ethics, and existentialist ethics. Bringing these ethical frameworks to bear on contemporary ethical issues, this course seeks to combine theoretical and applied approaches to ethics. Beginning with the question of “the good life,” we shall ask: Why live ethically? And how to live ethically? Tracing how each philosopher with whom we engage responds to these questions, the students are expected to develop an understanding of different kinds of ethical reasoning, which in turn would enable them to analyze issues and propose an informed, intelligent response. As their final project, the students will write a paper in which they take up a specific ethical problem (e.g. capital punishment, suicide, prostitution, torture, hunger strike, pornography, etc.) and argue for a position by utilizing and building on the kinds of ethical reasoning we traced and scrutinized throughout the semester.


Course Content

Problems of moral conduct. Theories of ethics.


Course Learning Outcomes


Program Outcomes Matrix

Level of Contribution
#Program Outcomes0123
1Have the knowledge and skills of research method which is a requirement in order to be successful in academic studies.
2Have the capacity for applying philosophical knowledge to scientific and social issues.
3Examine and analyze a subject matter and make philosophical interpretations on it.
4Have the skills of critical thinking, analytical approach, problem solving, multi-dimensional view, making inferences and interpretations regarding to philosophical texts and scientific facts.
5Identify the basic concepts and issues in philosophy.
6Evaluate and understand the underlying philosophical assumptions of fundamental and social sciences.
7Have capacity to make interdisciplinary readings and analysis.
8Have verbal and written presentation and effective communication skills, be open to team work and do interdisciplinary study.
9Make connections between contemporary ethical, social, cultural, esthetic and politic issues.
10Interpret the historical development of scientific and philosophical questions.
11Have knowledge about contemporary philosophical issues and their relations to other disciplines.
12Use modern information tools in order to make research in philosophy.
13Improve their professional and personal skills lifelong.
14Use information technologies effectively in domain applications in philosophy.
15Have self-confidence and develop original ideas regarding to philosophy.
16Have social and ethical responsibility regarding to contemporary issues.
17Have good knowledge of English, research method and computer skills and use these skills effectively.
18Comprehend the basic theories and issues in sub-disciplines of philosophy.
19Have an advanced knowledge in certain specific fields such as environment, technology, culture, art etc.

0: No Contribution 1: Little Contribution 2: Partial Contribution 3: Full Contribution