Topics in Ethics
About the course
Mandatory course in the master’s program in philosophy. Can also be taken as a single course.
The philosophical discipline of ethics can be divided into three branches: Normative ethics, metaethics and applied ethics.
Topics in normative ethics deal with questions such as:
- What is morally right and wrong?
- What characterizes a morally good person?
- What is a good life?
- What is the ethical significance of power relations, care, and dependency?
Topics in metaethics deal with questions about normative ethics such as:
- What is the foundation of normative ethical theory? For example, are there objective ethical standards or moral facts?
- How can normative ethical theories be justified? For example, should we trust our intuitions?
- How should we prioritize between different ethical values? For example, is it more important to act morally than to be happy?
- How should we understand the relationship between theory and practice in ethics? What can motivate us to act morally?
Topics in applied ethics deal with specific real-life ethical questions such as:
- What are our ethical responsibilities towards animals, and how should we weigh cultural practices, environmental concerns and human needs?
- What are relevant moral considerations regarding abortion?
- What are the ethical challenges posed by using AI in hiring, policing or education?
This course offers a research-based exploration of selected topics in philosophical ethics. Drawing on the main branches of ethics, students will critically examine key texts and arguments, develop their own analyses, and explore how ethical theory can inform - and be informed by - real-world issues. The specific topics may vary from year to year, depending on the area of expertise of the lecturer and the students’ interests.
Admission requirements
Bachelor’s degree with a specialization of at least 80 ECTS in philosophy or equivalent. A basic knowledge of history of philosophy is recommended.
Application code 9371
Objectives of the course
Knowledge
The student:
- has advanced knowledge of selected concepts and theories within at least two branches in philosophical ethics.
- is familiar with advanced literature on at least one topic in philosophical ethics.
- has an overview of selected debates in philosophical ethics, as well as detailed knowledge of some of the arguments under discussion
Skills
The student can
- analyze ethical problems.
- use philosophical terminology.
- argue for and against responses to ethical problems under discussion in a clear, precise and professional way.
- reflect on one’s own learning and research activity and be able to develop and improve it under supervision.
Competence
The student is able to
- identify issues where philosophical ethics is relevant.
- apply philosophical ethics to relevant issues.
- explain philosophical theories and concepts to both specialists and non-specialists.
Prerequisites
Anbefalte forkunnskaper
FIL-1021 Ethics, FIL-1029 Nature, environment and climate
Teaching methods
Language of instruction and examination
Lectures: English
Exam: English, Norwegian, or other Scandinavian language
Schedule
The schedules are normally finalized and published well in advance of the start of the semester, often a few weeks beforehand. This gives students the opportunity to organize their studies and prepare for upcoming activities.
It is recommended to check the schedule regularly, as changes may occur.
Information to incoming exchange students
This course is open to incoming exchange students.
Study Level: Master's
This course has admission prerequisites, which are listed under the Admission requirements section. Please review this information carefully before adding the course to your Learning Agreement.
For details on how to apply for exchange, course selection guidelines, or to contact the Incoming Admissions Team, please visit: Admissions for Student Exchange.
Examination
| Oral exam | Duration: 30 Minutes Weighting: 1/1 |
Grade: A–E, fail F |
| Assignment | Hand in: 20.11.2026 14:00 Weighting: 0/1 |
Grade: A–E, fail F |
To take an examination, the student must have passed the following coursework requirements
| Written essay/presentation | Grade: Approved – not approved |
Everything you need to know about before, during, and after the exam; registration, absence, appeals, and diplomas: UiT Exams homepage
More info about the coursework requirements
The student must either complete a written essay (1200 - 1600 words (3-4 pages)) or give an oral presentation (15 minutes) of the topic and problem for the term paper within a given deadline.More info about the assignment
Individual term paper of 3200 - 4000 words (8-10 pages). The topic and problem for the term paper are clarified with the lecturer(s).
Your term paper is the foundation of the exam. It is graded on how well you:
- Show understanding of the relevant knowledge and theories.
- Build convincing and well-structured arguments.
- Present your ideas clearly and precisely. The term paper carries significant weight for the final grade.
If the paper does not meet the minimum requirements (fail), the exam cannot be completed, and you will not proceed to the oral examination.
More info about the oral exam
Individual oral exam where both the term paper and other parts of the syllabus are discussed.
The oral exam is an opportunity to further develop and defend your work. The grade you received on the term paper can be adjusted here, primarily based on:
- How well you can explain and justify the theoretical choices and arguments made in your term paper.
- How well you can show critical knowledge of the course topics discussed in class and covered in the syllabus.