In this course we will examine the main theories in the Western tradition that purport to explain what sorts of behavior are right and wrong, and why, as well as certain kinds of skepticism about morality. We will consider, among other things, whether or not there are moral truths, and if so whether those truths are absolute or relative, objective or subjective, and where such truths come from -- be it divine commands, our own agency, the need to live in society with others, simple brute facts, etc.
5 units · Letter or Credit/No Credit · GER: WAY-A-II, WAY-ER
In this course we will examine the main theories in the Western tradition that purport to explain what sorts of behavior are right and wrong, and why, as well as certain kinds of skepticism about morality. We will consider, among other things, whether or not there are moral truths, and if so whether those truths are absolute or relative, objective or subjective, and where such truths come from -- be it divine commands, our own agency, the need to live in society with others, simple brute facts, etc.
Offered in Autumn 2025, Spring 2026 at Stanford University.