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Undergraduate

2022-23

ETH201H1-F – Contemporary Moral Problems: Ethics Toward Tomorrow 
Sarah Warren (Postdoctoral Fellow, Centre for Ethics; PhD, Philosophy, Emory)
Tuesday 3-5 (LA248)
At the crossroads of “is” and “ought,” ethics provides us with the space to reflect on, critically analyze, and adapt our beliefs about the world in pursuit of the good—an idea that is itself contingent, malleable, and historically sedimented. As both an introduction to ethical theory and a nuanced exploration of its intimate association with worldly concerns, ETH201H1 will invite students to put philosophical concepts and methodologies into conversation with the rhythms and eventfulness of lived experience and, in so doing, develop the capacity to persuasively articulate and challenge moral beliefs. What might a sustainable future look like—and who bears the responsibility of realizing it? Are democratic solutions always the best solutions? Are we morally blameworthy for our participation in oppressive economic and political structures? Pairing philosophical material with a diverse array of other sources (e.g. literature, film, empirical data), this course will thematically consider such questions (and more) as productive sites for illustrating how ethical tools refine our understanding and empower us to accomplish change.
Distribution Requirements: Humanities
Breadth Requirements: Thought, Belief and Behaviour (2)

ETH230H1-S – Morality in Cross-Cultural Perspective
Sarah Warren (Postdoctoral Fellow, Centre for Ethics; PhD, Philosophy, Emory)
Tuesday 3-5 (LA248)
Is morality universal, or does it vary by time and place? This course
will examine cultural differences in moral codes from both empirical
and philosophical perspectives.
Distribution Requirements: Humanities
Breadth Requirements: Thought, Belief and Behaviour (2)

ETH350H1-S – Topics in Value Theory: Ethics of AI
Federica Berdini (Postdoctoral Fellow, Centre for Ethics; PhD, Science, Cognition, and Technology (Philosophy), University of Bologna)
Tuesday 9-11 (LA200)
Throughout this course we will address the ethical implications of the increasingly widespread role of AI (artificial intelligence) in our lives. Potential topics to be addressed span theoretical issues (such as the moral status of AI and the possibility of artificial moral agency) as well as applied ones (like the ethics of autonomous weapons and autonomous vehicles; robots as care-givers, romantic, and sexual partners; algorithmic bias and fairness; the opportunities and perils of digital technologies).
Distribution Requirements: Humanities
Breadth Requirements: Thought, Belief and Behaviour (2)

ETH401H1-Y – Seminar in Ethics (fall & spring)
Wednesday 11-2 (LA200) 
The seminar will expose advanced undergraduates to cutting edge research in ethics. It meets bi-weekly over the entire academic year. Participants will attend research presentations at the Centre for Ethics (topics have included bioethics, indigenous rights, equality and education, free speech, and workplace democracy). They will also meet individually with the instructor to plan an independent research project related to the theme of the course. In the winter term, students will present their research and discuss it with the other students in the seminar. (Note that this is an “H1Y” course — a half-credit course taught throughout both Fall and Winter terms.)
Prerequisites: One of PHL365H1, PHL375H1, PHL271H1, POL200Y1 or an equivalent, POL330Y1 or an equivalent. Preference for enrollment will be given to students of the Department of Philosophy, the Department of Political Science, and Trinity College’s program in Ethics, Society, and Law.

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Not taught in 2022-23

ETH210H1 – Rationality and Action
An introductory survey of attempts that have been made to develop a formal model of practical rationality, with particular emphasis on the way moral considerations enter into those deliberations. Topics may include: utility-maximization theory, introductory game theory, consequentialism, and deontic reasoning, as well as the limitations of rationality.
Distribution Requirements: Humanities
Breadth Requirements: Thought, Belief and Behaviour (2)