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Introduction to Moral Philosophy

Course Overview

The course offers an introduction to ethics by combining a historical and analytical perspective.

Aims and Content

Learning Outcomes

The course aims to introduce the fundamental themes, main strands, and classics of moral philosophy in a historical and speculative perspective.

Aims and Learning Outcomes

The course provides a robust knowledge of the history of ethics and its most fundamental concepts and theories, enabling students to read and interpret ethical works from different ages and approaches, and mastering the technical language of the discipline and its main methods of inquiry.

Teaching Methods

Lectures and seminar discussions will be alternated with the comment of texts. Lessons will be held in presence, and attendance, although not compulsory, is recommended.

Syllabus/Content

• Students will be required to study the slides provided, together with the following textbook: M. De Caro, F. Magni, M.S. Vaccarezza, Le sfide dell'etica, Mondadori, Milano 2021.
• An alternative textbook for foreign students can be arranged.
• Students will also study a selection of classic texts provided, or one of the two following texts:
  • Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics (any English edition).
  • I. Kant, Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals (any English edition).

Recommended Reading/Bibliography

1. S. Blackburn, Ethics: A Very Short Introduction, Oxford, OUP 2021
2. Selected reading list (provided by the teacher)
3. Non-attending students: one of the two following texts:

• Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics (any English edition)
• I. Kant, Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals (any English edition)

Teachers and Exam Board

Teacher

Maria Silvia Vaccarezza

Exam Board

• Maria Silvia Vaccarezza (President)
• Michel Croce
• Roberto Celada Ballanti (Substitute)

Lessons

Lessons Start

February 2026

Class Schedule

The timetable for this course is available on the Portale EasyAcademy.

Exams

Exam Description

For international students, the exam will consist of an oral examination.

Assessment Methods

The oral examination will assess the attainment of the learning outcomes.

Exam Schedule

Exam Date	Time	Location	Degree Type	Notes
15/12/2025	09:30	GENOVA	Scritto + Orale
12/01/2026	09:30	GENOVA	Scritto + Orale
26/01/2026	09:30	GENOVA	Scritto + Orale
29/05/2026	09:30	GENOVA	Scritto + Orale
15/06/2026	09:30	GENOVA	Scritto + Orale
30/06/2026	09:30	GENOVA	Scritto + Orale
02/09/2026	09:30	GENOVA	Scritto + Orale