A survey of central moral theories, classical and contemporary, the emphasis being not on the history but on the central conceptions of justification we see in moral theory. So, for example, Hume and Satre, far apart in many ways, are both important examples of non-cognitivism. In addition to non-cognitivism, Kantianism, classical and contemporary, various versions of utilitarianism, Aristotle's argument, non-cognitivism, and perhaps rational intuitionism will all be considered, and their various strengths and weaknesses as conceptions of moral judgment and justification taken up.

The readings are largely drawn from classical sources and for the most part are available on line. The initial readings (Hume, Ayer, Sartre, Hare) certainly are. To the extent this is not so, students will use classical sources, and may use any edition of e.g. Aristotle's Ethics or Mill's Utilitartarianism or Kant's Groundwork they like. Details upon the first day of class.