https://studiegids.vu.nl/en/courses/2025-2026/W_BA_ADETStudents can:remember and explain main issues and theories in advanced ethicsanalyse and evaluate key assumptions and arguments of these theoriesdevelop an original position with regard to recent literature in ethicsproduce a research output defending their positionPractical reason Should I get up early to make the most of the day, or should I stay in bed a bit longer? Should I eat the cake or the apple? Should I learn a different language or watch TV? Practical reason, or reasoning, is supposed to help us settle these questions. But how exactly does such practical deliberation look like? Should we do what's moral, what's rational, or what's in line with our goals? Which standards does practical deliberation have to conform to? Inspired by these questions, we will look at aspects of practical reason, such asthe difference between practical and theoretical reason (if there is one)the role that motivation plays in practical reasoningdifferent conceptions of rationalitynormative standards involved in practical reasoningTo investigate these topics, we will mostly look at current research articles, but also look at what our traditional ethical theories, such as Consequentialism and Kantianism, have to say.seminarsStudents are required to contribute to the course with weekly assignments (e.g. discussion questions, or short summaries) (pass/fail) (1 & 2) Presentation: students are required to give a research presentation (30%) (1 & 2) Students are required to submit a research proposal (pass/fail) (3 & 4) Students submit a final research output (70%) (3 & 4)To be announced on CanvasThis course is primarily intended for second and third year Philosophy bachelor students. Other interested students: contact the lecturer before enrolling.Introduction to Ethics (Philosophy Year 1)