The course aims to: a) Knowledge and understanding – provide basic knowledge of key concepts in classical moral thought; b) Applying knowledge and understanding – develop the ability to engage with “classical” texts of moral philosophy; c) Making judgements – enhance skills for discussing moral issues; d) Communication skills – expand the command of technical and specific ethical vocabulary; e) Learning skills – strengthen interest in exploring moral questions further.

The course does not require prerequisites.

The course will introduce some of the main moral philosophy concepts from the Aristotelian and Thomistic traditions, aiming to clarify both their meaning and their applicability in moral and socio-political discussions. Alongside concepts directly related to moral issues, the course will explore other classical notions essential to understanding them more deeply (e.g., Aristotle’s doctrine of the four causes, or the act-potency distinction). The goal is to provide basic competence, especially for students with no prior philosophical background or those needing to reacquaint themselves with philosophical-moral reasoning.

M. Sandel, Justice: What’s the Right Thing to Do?, Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2009;

G. Grandi, Fare Giustizia. Un’indagine morale sul male, la pena e la riparazione, PUP, Padova 2020.
J. Maritain, The Person and the Common Good, University of Notre Dame Press, 1994

The course will examine key moral concepts by exploring definitions found in the works of Aristotle, Thomas Aquinas, and authors who adopt their framework (such as Jacques Maritain). It will consider connections between these notions and their applicability. Topics include: a) good and evil; b) habitus (with related concepts of 'act' and 'potency'); c) intellectual and moral virtues; d) cardinal virtues (prudence, justice, temperance, fortitude); e) the notion of 'synderesis'; f) the distinction between 'individual' and 'person'.

The course includes lectures and workshop-style discussions.

Teaching materials, classroom slides, bibliography updates, and any further information or specifications related to the course or examination methods will be available on the course TEAMS page.

Assessment consists of a two-hour written exam. Students will be asked to theoretically explain one of the concepts covered and identify a moral issue where that concept might help clarify or analyze the problem.
Sample questions will be provided at the end of the course to support exam preparation.
The essay must demonstrate: a) familiarity with the proposed bibliography and key concepts; b) the ability to address and discuss a moral topic rigorously using appropriate theoretical tools.
Grading is on a 30-point scale. To pass (18/30), students must successfully meet both conceptual and critical discussion standards. To achieve full marks (30/30 cum laude), students must show: a) conceptual accuracy and sound references; b) identification of relevant sources and citations; c) full command of grammar, syntax, and expressive resources in Italian (adjusted for non-native speakers).

This course explores topics closely related to one or more of the United Nations’ 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.