Universität Wien

180076 FS Decision Principles in Ethics (2022W)

10.00 ECTS (4.00 SWS), SPL 18 - Philosophie
Continuous assessment of course work

Registration/Deregistration

Note: The time of your registration within the registration period has no effect on the allocation of places (no first come, first served).

Details

max. 30 participants
Language: English

Lecturers

Classes (iCal) - next class is marked with N

The Seminar will take place as a mix of on-site and on-line meetings, depending on the Covid situation at that time. Details will be announced at the beginning of the semester.

Thursday 13.10. 11:30 - 14:45 Hörsaal 3F NIG 3.Stock
Thursday 20.10. 11:30 - 14:45 Hörsaal 3F NIG 3.Stock
Thursday 27.10. 11:30 - 14:45 Hörsaal 3F NIG 3.Stock
Thursday 03.11. 11:30 - 14:45 Hörsaal 3F NIG 3.Stock
Thursday 10.11. 11:30 - 14:45 Hörsaal 3F NIG 3.Stock
Thursday 17.11. 11:30 - 14:45 Hörsaal 3F NIG 3.Stock
Thursday 24.11. 11:30 - 14:45 Hörsaal 3F NIG 3.Stock
Thursday 01.12. 11:30 - 14:45 Hörsaal 3F NIG 3.Stock
Thursday 15.12. 11:30 - 14:45 Hörsaal 3F NIG 3.Stock
Thursday 12.01. 11:30 - 14:45 Hörsaal 3F NIG 3.Stock
Thursday 19.01. 11:30 - 14:45 Hörsaal 3F NIG 3.Stock
Thursday 26.01. 11:30 - 14:45 Hörsaal 3F NIG 3.Stock

Information

Aims, contents and method of the course

This research seminar explores decision principles that support decisions in tricky scenarios. Usually, we think that “deciding” consists in choosing one of two possible pathways. However, decisions are particularly important in scenarios in which various goods, possibly even lives, need to be balanced. This course also explores decision principles that deviate from the standard cases of cost-benefit analysis and “trolleyology”.

We will read research literature on principles as diverse as cost-benefit analysis, the lesser evil, tragic decision-making and precautionary principles. In addition theoretical insights will be applied to concrete scenarios.
It is the goal of this research seminar to discuss current options in decision theory against the background of ethics. In addition to the critical examination of current literature, we shall also use the principles to discuss tricky scenarios. The classes will be held in English language.

Assessment and permitted materials

each student participates frequently and actively;
everyone will present one text.
each student will contribute to the final colloquium with a presentation.
the seminar will be completed by a term paper (length about 15 pages).

Minimum requirements and assessment criteria

All tasks (presence and participation, presentation of a text, presentation in the final colloquium, term paper) must be completed to receive a positive grade.

If you miss more than one session, it needs to be justified in writing. You mustn't miss more than 3 sessions.

At least 60% are necessary for a positive grade.
the presentation of a text counts for 20%
the presentation at the colloquium counts for 20%
the seminar paper counts for 60%.

Examination topics

see above.

Reading list

The full list of literature will be available at the beginning of the term. The texts will also be posted on Moodle. All the texts are in English.

Association in the course directory

Last modified: Tu 04.10.2022 13:09