Global Ethics
This course introduces key issues in global ethics. It involves an investigation of what moral issues underlie current debates about international politics and global practices through a study of contemporary philosophical contributions.
In recent years, armed conflicts, environmental crises, and increased numbers of refugees have demonstrated the urgent need for guidance about how to address global problems. This course is premised on the idea that philosophy can and should contribute to these debates. Through a study of classic and contemporary texts, along with the opportunity for discussion with peers, it will provide participants with a comprehensive overview of the controversies in global ethics along with the skills to critically assess the existing theories and ideas.
Among the questions addressed will be: What are the obligations of affluent states (and individuals) to remedy global poverty? What is the philosophical foundation of human rights? How should emissions rights be distributed? How should a refuge be defined? And when, if ever, is resort to war justified? The questions will be explored, in part, via a study of Torbjörn Tännsjö’s new book From Despotism to Democracy: How a World Government Can Save Humanity. During the course, Professor Tännsjö will give a guest lecture on the book. The course does not presuppose any prior knowledge of ethics or philosophy, and would be ideal for existing philosophy students, students from other disciplines, and those working in globally-focused institutions, among others.
The course takes place solely online.
Isaac Taylor is an associate senior lecturer in practical philosophy at Stockholm University. His research is in moral and political philosophy, especially topics within AI ethics and the ethics of war and peace. He previously worked for the UK government in investigating the ethical issues surrounding emerging technologies in the defense and security sectors.
Torbjörn Tännsjo, Professor Emeritus at Stockholm University, is one of Sweden’s leading public intellectuals. The author of multiple books, his research has covered a broad range of topics such as: bioethics, population ethics, and democracy. He is known as being a notable proponent of the moral theory known as utilitarianism, and his work is characterized by bringing foundational philosophical analysis to bear on existing real-world challenges.
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Course structure
2024 Summer term instructors: Isaac Taylor and Torbjörn Tännsjö
Language of Instruction: English
Teaching format: Distance course
The teaching is conducted in the form of lectures and seminars. The course is examined through a take-home exam.
The course starts week 23.
Learning platform Athena
There will be a course-page on Stockholm University’s learning platform Athena. Admitted students who have activated their student accounts and been registered will automatically be added to the Athena-page. -
Schedule
The schedule will be available no later than one month before the start of the course. We do not recommend print-outs as changes can occur. At the start of the course, your department will advise where you can find your schedule during the course. -
Course literature
Note that the course literature can be changed up to two months before the start of the course.Torbjörn Tännsjö, From Despotism to Democracy: How a World Government Can Save Humanity (Springer, 2023)
Additional literature to be announced
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Course reports
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Contact
Director of studies: Sama Agahi sama.agahi@philosophy.su.se
Study councelling studievagledning@philosophy.su.se
