Face-to-face , first term, 30 hours of theory.

First term
Thursday from 14:00 to 16:00 at 43 Botanique 5

English

The main aim of the course is to give a general overview of the core problems in contemporary economic ethics (see below for further details). The course will clarify what ethics is and why it is relevant for reflections on economic issues. The idea is to scrutinize the economic perspective: what does it encompass and, in particular, what are its assumptions? Therefore, this course discusses ethical theories, the nature of economics, markets and limits to markets, cooperation, pluralism, notions of well-being, theories of justice, and economic decision-making. In the end, we will look upon some recent debates such as nudging, global justice and climate change. In other words, the course shall help the students to include normative considerations into their study of economic issues, in a systematic and critical way. Active involvement of the students during the discussions in class will be encouraged.

For the Bachelor in Law :

For the Bachelor in Information and Communication :

For the Bachelor : Business Engineering :

For the Bachelor in Economics and Management :

For the Bachelor in Political Sciences: General :

For the Bachelor in Sociology and Anthropology :

None

1. Introduction: what is ethics and why is it relevant?
2. Ethical theories: what is good?
3. Economics, markets and economic methodology: what is economics about?
4. Market failures and collective-action problems: are there limits to markets?
5. Collective action, reciprocity and motives: is cooperation possible?
6. Moral pluralism: are there moral limits to (hypothetical) markets?
7. Preferences, well-being and happiness: which notion of well-being should we use?
8. Theories of justice: how should goods be distributed?
10. Cost-benefit analysis, deliberation and democracy: how to take decisions?
11-12. Applied issues: nudging, global justice and climate change.

Ex cathedra presentations.
As far as possible lectures will include discussion times with the class.

The assessment is a written examination that includes reflection questions.

For each lecture, there will be (i) lecture notes and (ii) one or two texts related to the topic of the (required reading). These will be made available online (eSaintLouis). Note that regular attendance at the lessons is highly recommended.

Syllabus: summaries of the lessons will be made available online (eSaintLouis). Note that regular attendance at the lessons is highly recommended.