Scientific knowledge is regarded as reliable, but not everyone accepts this and science continues to evolve. Does this mean that knowledge is relative rather than universal? What is regarded as morally acceptable has changed a great deal - slavery for example is no longer seen as justified. But certain moral judgements seem to have remained the same over the centuries - for example, that it is wrong to kill the innocent. Does this mean there are different moralities or is there just one? Or if there are different moralities, should there be just one universal morality? Philosophers have always thought about these questions, and in this short course you have the opportunity to use some of their ideas to explore them. The course is aimed at those new to Philosophy.
Course aim
The course aims to introduce students to philosophical ways of thinking about knowledge and morality - are they universal or do they vary between cultures and societies?
Do I need any particular skills or experience?
- This course is for beginners
By the end of the course I should be able to:
- state two arguments aiming to show that knowledge is universal
- state two arguments aiming to show that knowledge is relative
- state two arguments aiming to show that morality is universal
- state two arguments aiming to show that morality is relative
- give examples of arguments (in 1. - 4.) which you find more or less convincing and say why
What else do I need to know?
Bring something which will allow you to make notes.
View full course information sheet
Knowledge and Morality: Universal or Relative? with Bettina Lange
