FIL4352 – Feminist ethics with short essay

Course content

How does gender influence moral philosophy and the construction of ethical theories? What is the basis for the claim voiced by feminist ethicists that traditional ethical theories ignore the interests of women while favoring those of men? What are the consequences from this criticism, and what is the relation between feminist ethics and ethical relativism? These questions are all central to this course, as is the examination of alternative ethical approaches and theories put forth by feminist ethicists, such as the ethics of care, maternal ethics, lesbian ethics and theories of justice in private, social and global relations. Simone de Beauvoir is considered a forerunner to contemporary feminist ethics, and her existential ethics will be incorporated into the discussion of the current feminist ethics.

Learning outcome

At this course you will gain insight into the contemporary theories and main positions within feminist ethics, their strengths as well as weaknesses. You will also learn to identify gender bias in the design and application of traditional normative theories. More generally, working with these texts will provide you with the ability to critically analyze the structures and practice of normative theories. This course will also support the development of more general academic skills, such as examining new normative positions, relate them to established traditions, analyze and discuss explicit and implicit philosophical assumptions, and to identify problems and possibility within normative theories.

Admission

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Prerequisites

Recommended previous knowledge

Overlapping courses

Teaching

14 double sessions with seminar.

Compulsory tuition activity:

An oral presentation of approximately 10 minutes (or a written presentation of 2 pages) based on the reading list