https://at-ceu.studyguide.timeedit.net/modules/UGST4009?type=COREThis course introduces BA students to the central theories, concepts, and debates in moral philosophy, providing a solid foundation for critical thinking about ethical questions in both theory and practice. It begins by exploring the nature of ethics and moral reasoning, examining why humans seek normative guidance and how philosophical inquiry can illuminate complex moral issues that arise in everyday life and society. Students will study both classical and contemporary ethical frameworks, including utilitarianism, deontology, virtue ethics, and social contract theory, critically assessing the assumptions, strengths, and limitations of each approach. Emphasis is placed on understanding the arguments of key philosophers, analyzing the logical structure of moral reasoning, and evaluating the practical implications of different ethical theories. By engaging with these foundational ideas, students learn to recognize competing moral perspectives, question widely held assumptions and develop the ability to articulate well-reasoned ethical judgments.In the second half of the course, we turn to applied ethics, where students confront contentious contemporary issues such as euthanasia, abortion, animal and environmental ethics, and the ethics of war. These topics encourage students to apply theoretical frameworks to real-world dilemmas, fostering a nuanced understanding of moral conflicts and the diversity of ethical perspectives. Students will consider the ethical, social, and philosophical dimensions of each issue, learning to weigh competing values, assess normative claims, and reflect on the broader consequences of moral choices. By connecting abstract theories to practical questions, the course equips students with the skills to think critically, reason ethically, and engage thoughtfully with the complex moral challenges of contemporary life.