Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun - Central Authentication Service

Western Theories of Evil

General data

Course ID:	2400-OG-EN-WTE
Erasmus code / ISCED:	08.1 The subject classification code consists of three to five digits, where the first three represent the classification of the discipline according to the Discipline code list applicable to the Socrates/Erasmus program, the fourth (usually 0) - possible further specification of discipline information, the fifth - the degree of subject determined based on the year of study for which the subject is intended. / (0223) Philosophy and ethics The ISCED (International Standard Classification of Education) code has been designed by UNESCO.
Course title:	Western Theories of Evil
Name in Polish:	Western Theories of Evil
Organizational unit:	Faculty of Philosophy and Social Sciences
Course groups:	(in Polish) Zajęcia ogólnouniwersyteckie w j. obcym - WFiNS
ECTS credit allocation (and other scores):	3.00 Basic information on ECTS credits allocation principles: the annual hourly workload of the student’s work required to achieve the expected learning outcomes for a given stage is 1500-1800h, corresponding to 60 ECTS; the student’s weekly hourly workload is 45 h; 1 ECTS point corresponds to 25-30 hours of student work needed to achieve the assumed learning outcomes; weekly student workload necessary to achieve the assumed learning outcomes allows to obtain 1.5 ECTS; work required to pass the course, which has been assigned 3 ECTS, constitutes 10% of the semester student load. view allocation of credits
Language:	English
Type of course:	elective course
Learning outcomes - knowledge:	(in Polish) 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).
Learning outcomes - skills:	(in Polish) 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.
Learning outcomes - social competencies:	(in Polish) 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.
Teaching methods:	(in Polish) - lecture - discussion - group work (collaboration) - multimedia presentation
Expository teaching methods:	- informative (conventional) lecture - participatory lecture
Short description:	(in Polish) Classes familiarising students with the theories of evil which played a significant role in the history of western thought.
Full description:	(in Polish) 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.
Bibliography:	(in Polish) 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
Assessment methods and assessment criteria:	(in Polish) 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%.

Classes in period "Summer semester 2022/23" (past)

Time span:	2023-02-20 - 2023-09-30	Selected timetable range: weekly course term Go to timetable
Type of class:	Discussion seminar, 20 hours more information
Coordinators:	(unknown)
Group instructors:	(unknown)
Students list:	(inaccessible to you)
Credit:	Course - Grading Discussion seminar - Grading

Course descriptions are protected by copyright.
Copyright by Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun.