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Introduction to Ethics
Einführung in die Ethik
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:15:52
Abstract
What should I do? What is a good life? How should we shape our coexistence with other people - within political communities as well as between communities? And: What role does thinking about such questions play? In this course, basic questions of practical philosophy and their answers are introduced systematically and historically.
Objective
Students will get an overview of different historical and contemporary approaches in moral philosophy, political philosophy, social philosophy and anthropology. They are enabled to further developing their abilities to understand complex theories, to critically reflect on them and to put them up for discussion.
Content
What should I do? What is a good life? How should we shape our coexistence with other people - within political communities as well as between communities? And: What role does thinking about such questions play? In this course, basic questions of practical philosophy and their answers are introduced systematically and historically. In particular, example cases from science and technology are addressed. The course is accompanied by a tutorial in which the theoretical approaches can be deepened by means of examples.
General Information
- Language
- German
- Levels
- DS , DR , MSC
Examination
- Type
- graded semester performance
Registration & Places
- Max Places
- 60
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture | Einführung in die Ethik |
|
2 h weekly |
| exercise |
Einführung in die Ethik
Die Teilnahme an einem der drei Übungstermine ist verpflichtend. Folgende Termine stehen zur Verfügung, wobei die Gruppeneinteilung über Moodle erfolgt.
|
|
2 h weekly |
Offered In
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Science in Perspective (In “Science in Perspective”-courses students learn to reflect on ETH’s STEM subjects from the perspective of humanities, political and social sciences. Only the courses listed below will be recognized as "Science in Perspective" courses.)
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Type A: Enhancement of Reflection Competence (SiP courses are recommended for bachelor students after their first-year examination and for all master- or doctoral students. All SiP courses are listed in Type A. Courses listed under Type B are only recommendations for enrollment for specific departments.)
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Doctorate Humanities, Social and Political Sciences (More Information at: )