Philosophy Video: Introduction to Ethics and Moral Issues by Richard Brown

I have previously featured Richard Brown's Introduction to Philosophy video lecture series on this blog. However, Dr. Richard Brown has another online philosophy class this time dealing with ethics and moral issues. While ethics and morality, aren't Richard Brown's particular area of expertise (the majority of his research being undertaken in the philosophy of mind) it is very clear throughout the lectures that he has a very good understanding of the subject matter. Each lecture consists of a number of slides with Richard Brown running through the content contained on the slide in more detail. The course takes a largely historical approach after beginning with a lecture explaining philosophical ethics. The course would make a good starting point for those who want an introduction that allows them to read and engage with academic works in the field of ethics. While it doesn't make for a totally comprehensive introduction to the topic of ethics (mainly due to the fact the course consists of 8 lectures); anyone who has become interested in the topics of ethics and wishes to learn more would find this is a good starting point. 

The rest of the lectures can be found at: OnlinePhilosophyClass 

For those who wish to find out more about Dr Richard Brown I recommend you visit his academic page

Philosophy Video: Peter Singer - Ethics Without Religion

Today I'm posting another Peter Singer guest lecture this time the lecture by Singer was given at the 2010 Global Atheist Convention in Melbourne. This video features Singer preaching pretty much to the choir though he put and developed his points in a very articulate way. Many religious believers believe that morality or ethics cannot exist without the existence of a supreme being. This sentiment has been expressed not only by hard-line fundamentalists but by some of history's better authors. The belief that morality cannot exist without a God can be best expressed in the words Dostoevsky who famously said 'If God does not exist, everything is permitted'. Here Peter Singer attempts to show that this simply not the case and does a pretty good job at showing that religion cannot be the source of morality. As usual Singer is his insightful and thought provoking self, though it should be noted that he doesn't delve into his particular moral beliefs. Worth a watch for those interested in this particular topic. 

Philosophy Video: Peter Singer: The Ethics of What We Eat

This is an hour and thirteen minute guest lecture given by the influential and controversial preference Utilitarian Peter Singer. The lecture was delivered by Singer for the students of Williams College, a small liberal arts college in Massachusetts, USA. Earlier today I listened to the lecture given by Singer, where Singer outlines the various ethical questions surrounding 'What We Eat'. Singer does a great job at outlining the various ethical questions that surrounding our eating. The lecture also gives the viewer the feel of Peter Singer's preference utilitarianism though Singer provides no explicit explanation of his views during the lecture. Though this is probably due to the fact that he is lecturing to an audience that are probably already familiar with his ethical views. I thoroughly enjoyed Singer's lecture and would recommend it to anyone who wishes to engage with ethical issues surrounding our consumption of food. For those who are not familiar with Singer's overall ethical views, I recommend they read his very well written book, Applied Ethics.