PHIL 396 - Seminar in Ethics and Value Theory

FDR: HU
Credits: 3 credits in fall-winter-spring, 4 in spring

Prerequisites: Usually one course in philosophy other than PHIL 170. Varies by topic. An intensive and critical study of selected issues or major figures in philosophy. May be repeated for degree credit if the topics are different.

Winter 2022, PHIL 396A-01: Seminar in Ethics and Value Theory: Moral Progress (3). In this seminar, we will analyze the concept of moral progress. The abolition of chattel slavery, the establishment of LGBTQIA+ rights in many societies, and the rise of a global human rights culture are considered examples of moral progress. Moral progress can generally be understood as any morally desirable change, ranging from changes in the beliefs and conduct of individuals, to changes in social and cultural institutions and practices. We will consider the appropriate scope for claims of moral progress (i.e., should statements about moral progress apply to all persons and societies in the world, or to a particular person or institution in a given society, at a point in history?), different types of moral progress (i.e., should moral progress be conceived as gains in human welfare, or the exercise and evolution of moral capacities, such as the capacity to follow moral rules?), the criteria for moral progress (i.e., what makes a change morally better or worse, and should moral progress be measured, for example, in changes that extend equal moral consideration to more and more persons, groups, and entities?), and whether moral progress can be explained by the gradual acceptance of moral facts and truths (i.e., moral realism) or the success of historically evolving ideas at resolving social problems (i.e., pragmatic naturalism). (HU) Zapata.