Western Theories of Evil 2400-OG-EN-WTE

Classes entitled “Western Theories of Evil” is a course familiarising students with the concepts of evil which became crucial for the development of western history of ideas. The presented theories include those concerned with western philosophy as well as theology and psychology. The programme offers the students an opportunity to face the fundamental question “What is evil as such?” or “What is the essence of evil?”. The participants are first confronted with classical concepts that attempt to bring to a common denominator or find the core of all of the observable evil in the world, and next with selected theories of moral evil that cast a light on the issue of the moral nature of a man. In the end the students can discuss the issues concerning possible destructive tendencies in human nature by referring to the taught theories and examples (from literature and films). The classes answer the need for a deeper ethical reflection on the topic of evil in the context of the current state of western culture, which seems to require a serious reconsideration of this fundamental issue. The course “Western theories of evil” enables students to make their own attempt to answer this question by reaching for the resources of European tradition of thinking.

Efekty uczenia się - wiedza

Students acquire basic knowledge concerning the main western theories of evil from the scope of philosophy, as well as (as a form of supplementation) ethics, theology and psychology. They know and understand selected classical and contemporary trends and positions concerned with the problem of evil as such and moral evil. They know the relationship between evil and other key concepts for the reflection on the topic of evil. They have basic knowledge concerning the history of philosophy of evil (in western cultural circle).

Efekty uczenia się - umiejętności

Students are able to use basic terms, theses and theories from classical philosophy of evil and selected theories from the scope of theology and psychology. They can conduct a more profound reflection on moral evil. They analyse philosophical arguments, identify their key theses and assumptions. They are able to indicate the historical genesis of assumptions underlying the most recognised and important theories of evil in our culture.

Efekty uczenia się - kompetencje społeczne

Students are able to critically and reflectively refer to what is undesired. They can recognise moral dilemmas and unobvious forms of evil in social life without succumbing to simplified and common misconceptions. They are able to engage in a discussion with others using basic resources of knowledge necessary to formulate an established and clear opinion.

Metody dydaktyczne

- lecture - discussion - group work (collaboration) - multimedia presentation

Metody dydaktyczne podające

- wykład konwersatoryjny
- wykład informacyjny (konwencjonalny)

Rodzaj przedmiotu

przedmiot fakultatywny

Koordynatorzy przedmiotu

Marcin Jaranowski

Kryteria oceniania

Obtaining a passing grade for the final test. Students provide answers to questions regarding the content of lectures and indicated literature. A precondition for the pass is students’ presence during classes.

Required thresholds for satisfactory grade – approximately 50%, good – approximately 65%, very good – approximately 80%.

Literatura

Main literature (no edition requirements):

J. Amery, At the Mind’s Limits
H. Arendt, Eichmann in Jerusalem
Aristotle, Metaphysics
Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics
Augustine of Hippo, Confessions
S. Baron-Cohen, Zero Degrees of Empathy: A New Theory of Human Cruelty
Z. Bauman, Liquid Fear
M. Buber, I and Thou
E. Fromm, The Heart of Man, its genius for good and evil
T. Hobbes, Leviathan
I. Kant, Religion within the Limits of Reason Alone
G. W. Leibniz, Theodicy
S. Milgram, Obedience to Authority: An Experimental View
Plato, Gorgias
Plato, The Republic
Plotinus, Enneads
D. de Rougemont, The Devil's Share
R. Safranski, Evil or the drama of freedom
A. Schopenhauer, The World as Will and Representation
P. Tillich, The Courage to Be
P. Zimbardo, The Lucifer Effect. How Good People Turn Evil

Więcej informacji

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