Moral Problems and the Good Life
A rigorous introduction to ethics. We’ll think about well-being, objectivity, key historical figures and approaches, what we owe to others, and more.
Moral Problems and the Good Life
A rigorous introduction to ethics. We’ll think about well-being, objectivity, key historical figures and approaches, what we owe to others, and more.
This course is currently archived. You can view most of the course materials, such as lectures and readings, and many assignments. However, you cannot complete assignments for a grade; you cannot upgrade or earn a certificate; the discussion forums may not be open or actively monitored; and some assignments or links may no longer work.
What you'll learn
You will learn how to think about difficult ethical questions in a rigorous and disciplined way.
You will learn about the most important ethical theories, and about how to apply them to real-life cases.
Meet your instructors
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Professor of Philosophy -
Professor of Philosophy -
Professor of Philosophy -
Digital Learning Lab Fellow
Caspar Hare
Caspar Hare
Professor of Philosophy
Caspar Hare has taught philosophy at MIT for ten years. He has written numerous articles on ethics, metaphysics and practical rationality, and two books. On Myself, and Other, Less Important Subjects (Princeton University Press 2009) is about the metaphysics of perspective. The Limits of Kindness (Oxford University Press 2013) is about normative ethics. He loves philosophy and hopes that you will too.
Tamar Schapiro
Tamar Schapiro
Professor of Philosophy
Tamar Schapiro moved to MIT after teaching at Stanford from 2000-2015. She is interested in ethical theory, the history of ethics (especially Kant and the British Moralists), practical reasoning and human agency. Her most recent project is a book manuscript entitled, Feeling Like It: A Theory of Inclination and Will.
Kieran Setiya
Kieran Setiya
Professor of Philosophy
Kieran Setiya works mainly in ethics, epistemology, and the philosophy of mind. He is the author of Practical Knowledge, Reasons without Rationalism, and Knowing Right From Wrong, which defend a form of cognitivism about intention, a virtue theory of practical reason, and an account of ethical knowledge that draws on Aristotle and Hume. He has also written about love, regret, and rights. Most recently, he is the author of a self-help book, Midlife: A Philosophical Guide, and a number of essays in public philosophy.
David Balcarras
David Balcarras
Digital Learning Lab Fellow
David Balcarras is a Lecturer in philosophy and a Digital Learning Lab Fellow at MIT. He got his PhD in philosophy from MIT, and his MA and BA in philosophy from the University of Toronto. His research focuses on the philosophy of mind and language.