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Moral reasoning and the religious life

Moral reasoning and the religious life

Depending on the student's knowledge, we will delve into theoretical issues such as the distinction between deontological (e.g. Kantian) and teleological (e.g. utilitarian) ways of moral reasoning (if students are familiar with those issues we will skip them) -We will analyse the relationship between ethics and religion (including a-religion) and the different ways to conceptualize it. Among others, we will delve into --Divine Command Theory --Natural Law Theory --Biblical ethics. -We will also zoom in on particular cases. Those cases include --the purpose and societal relevance of the practice of dialoguing --the use of confidentiality in pastoral care --euthanasia and the use of empirical methods --other cases suggested by students -Given its current relevance, we will analyse the strong points and weak points of the Dutch way of coping with Covid-19 (depending on students' interests and background knowledge, we can also broaden the scope beyond the Dutch way.

Course Description

Course objective (study guide) 

The goals of this course are to -heighten the sensibilities for moral reasoning and the dilemmas it can contain -to ponder on the relationship between ethics and religion -to provide support in moral decision-making on practical issues 

Course content (study guide) 

-Depending on the student's knowledge, we will delve into theoretical issues such as the distinction between deontological (e.g. Kantian) and teleological (e.g. utilitarian) ways of moral reasoning (if students are familiar with those issues we will skip them) -We will analyse the relationship between ethics and religion (including a-religion) and the different ways to conceptualize it. Among others, we will delve into --Divine Command Theory --Natural Law Theory --Biblical ethics. -We will also zoom in on particular cases. Those cases include --the purpose and societal relevance of the practice of dialoguing --the use of confidentiality in pastoral care --euthanasia and the use of empirical methods --other cases suggested by students -Given its current relevance, we will analyse the strong points and weak points of the Dutch way of coping with Covid-19 (depending on students' interests and background knowledge, we can also broaden the scope beyond the Dutch way) 

Teaching methods (study guide) 

We will have group discussions and some lectures. The mixture between discussions and lectures depends on the size of the group. In any case, there will be ample space for discussion/personal interactions. We will try to create a 'safe space' where people can utter (different) opinions on touchy issues, such as Covid-19 and the ways to cope with it - thereby practicing dialogical capabilities at the same time. 

Method of assessment (study guide) 

Depending on the number of students enrolled, we will have presentations and paper. Feedback is provided either on the spot (on presentations) or in written (on papers). 

Entry requirements (study guide) 

Preferably, students have had bachelor course(s)in ethics. 

Literature (study guide) 

Some literature will be made available on CANVAS. Other literature will have to be downloaded or purchased. 

Target audience (study guide) 

Everybody interested in moral reasoning, ethics, religion (and its relationships) and societal issues (such as Covid-19 restrictions). 

Use of Canvas (study guide) 

We will use CANVAS for all information and communication. 

Study Characteristics

  • Course Description & Study Characteristics

    Course Description

    Course objective (study guide) 

    The goals of this course are to -heighten the sensibilities for moral reasoning and the dilemmas it can contain -to ponder on the relationship between ethics and religion -to provide support in moral decision-making on practical issues 

    Course content (study guide) 

    -Depending on the student's knowledge, we will delve into theoretical issues such as the distinction between deontological (e.g. Kantian) and teleological (e.g. utilitarian) ways of moral reasoning (if students are familiar with those issues we will skip them) -We will analyse the relationship between ethics and religion (including a-religion) and the different ways to conceptualize it. Among others, we will delve into --Divine Command Theory --Natural Law Theory --Biblical ethics. -We will also zoom in on particular cases. Those cases include --the purpose and societal relevance of the practice of dialoguing --the use of confidentiality in pastoral care --euthanasia and the use of empirical methods --other cases suggested by students -Given its current relevance, we will analyse the strong points and weak points of the Dutch way of coping with Covid-19 (depending on students' interests and background knowledge, we can also broaden the scope beyond the Dutch way) 

    Teaching methods (study guide) 

    We will have group discussions and some lectures. The mixture between discussions and lectures depends on the size of the group. In any case, there will be ample space for discussion/personal interactions. We will try to create a 'safe space' where people can utter (different) opinions on touchy issues, such as Covid-19 and the ways to cope with it - thereby practicing dialogical capabilities at the same time. 

    Method of assessment (study guide) 

    Depending on the number of students enrolled, we will have presentations and paper. Feedback is provided either on the spot (on presentations) or in written (on papers). 

    Entry requirements (study guide) 

    Preferably, students have had bachelor course(s)in ethics. 

    Literature (study guide) 

    Some literature will be made available on CANVAS. Other literature will have to be downloaded or purchased. 

    Target audience (study guide) 

    Everybody interested in moral reasoning, ethics, religion (and its relationships) and societal issues (such as Covid-19 restrictions). 

    Use of Canvas (study guide) 

    We will use CANVAS for all information and communication. 

    Study Characteristics

    • Name of teacher: Prof. dr. Grube 
    • Language: english
    • ECTS: 6
    • Academic skill: Discipline related
    • Start date: Period 1 
    • End date: Period 1 
    • Graduate School: FRT
    • Self paced: no
    • Discipline: Religion and Theology 
    • Available to: PhD students VU
    • In class/online: In class 
    • Including assessment: yes
    • With certificate: no
    • Assessment type: Depending on the number of students enrolled, we will have presentations and paper. Feedback is provided either on the spot (on presentations) or in written (on papers). 
    • Admission criteria: Preferably, students have had bachelor course(s)in ethics.
    • Information: d.m.k.h.grube@vu.nl 

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