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

First term
Thursday from 13:00 to 15:00 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 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 in 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. What is good? Ethical theories (1): consequentialism, utilitarianism,
3. What is good? Ethical theories (2): deontology, virtue ethics, libertarianism
4. What is economics about? Economics, markets and economic methodology
5. Are there limits to markets? Market failures and collective-action problems
6. Are there moral limits to markets? Moral pluralism
7. Is cooperation (without markets) possible? Collective action, reciprocity and motives
8. What is the goal of (economic) policy? Welfare and well-being
9. How to take decisions? Cost-benefit analysis and democracy
10. How should goods be distributed? Inequality and distributive justice.

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

The assessment is a written examination (closed book) 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).

The required readings include one book: Sandel, Michael J. (2009). Justice. What's The Right Thing To Do. New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux.

Powerpoints and required readings (besides Sandel's book) will be made available online (Moodle).

Note that regular attendance at the lessons is highly recommended