This course introduces students to recent debates surrounding the nature of psychological investigation in relation to morality. Some of the questions the course will address are as follows: What is distinctive about moral motivation Is morality an instinct How does a psychological understanding of moral behavior differ from a philosophical one Can morality be adequately explained as an evolutionary adaptation What is the nature of moral emotions, such as shame and guilt The final third of the course explores some of the moral debates that arise from the psychological explanation of, and therapeutic approach to, morality. Students may not earn credit for more than one VUSM course at the 400 level. Prerequisite: any LDW and SJE course or transfer student placement, WCII course. TEL

The Ethical Life develops students ethical reasoning to examine real-world ethical dilemmas, using a four-way model built upon truth, consequences, fairness, and character. This course, Expanding Our Moral Horizons, concentrates on exploring different levels of moral problems. By looking at the complex and sometimes competing demands of different moral domains - from the intimacy of personal relationships to the world of geo-politics - this course investigates a variety of ways that philosophy can help orient students to the reality of the moral orders around us and how we fit into them. Students may not earn credit for more than one VUSM course at the 400 level. Prerequisite: any LDW and SJE course or transfer student placement, WCII course. TEL, PMI