Seminars
Participants are taught in small seminar groups of up to 10 students, and receive two one-on-one tutorials with their tutor.
Sunday
Seminar 1
Introduction to the evolution of moral frameworks from religious to secular context.
This seminar introduces the concept of emotional morality, with an overview of how different societies have historically used religious belief to guide moral behaviour. We will discuss the philosophical underpinnings of emotional-led morality, reflecting on the transition to secularism and identifying new sources of moral authority. We will be briefly reflecting on Kantian ethics.
Seminar 2
Introduction to contemporary philosophical theorising about the moral role of emotions (J. Oakley)
In this seminar we will be engaging with the idea that emotions have intrinsic moral significance. A key claim discussed in this seminar is that we are responsible for our emotions as much as we are responsible for our actions. We will be discussing the practical consequences that arise from being morally responsible for emotions.
Monday
Seminar 3
The role of emotion in moral decision-making
In this seminar we will discuss the impact of emotions like empathy, fear and guilt on moral behaviour. We will analyse studies on how emotions can motivate or deter ethical actions. Particular attention will be given to the balance between rationality and emotionality in moral decision-making.
Seminar 4
Empathy- strengths and limitations.
This seminar will be an opportunity for a more focused exploration of empathy as a driver for ethical action. We will discuss its strengths in fostering compassion and connection, as well as its potential weaknesses, such as biases (J. Prinz). We will also look at alternative approaches to moral motivation.
Tuesday
Seminar 5
Mobilising for social and environmental causes
This seminar explores how emotional responses fuel activism and advocacy. We will investigate historical and contemporary examples of movements driven by emotion and examine the conditions under which they succeed or fail. Discussions will include how to channel emotional energy into effective action for addressing critical issues.
Seminar 6
Addressing Global Challenges
In this seminar we will continue to examine case studies where specific moral frameworks have effectively addressed global challenges. We will discuss the impact of collective efforts in promoting wildlife conservation, poverty eradication, and other humanitarian efforts. We will aim to identify common, emotion-relevant, threads that contribute to their success.
Wednesday
Seminar 7
Challenges to secular morality
This seminar will engage the participants in a discussion about common obstacles that prevent individuals from engaging in moral behaviour in a secular context. We will explore societal, cultural, and personal factors that contribute to these barriers. We will also consider strategies to overcome these obstacles and promote widespread ethical action.
Seminar 8
Building a secular moral culture
Building on earlier discussions, we will look at how to create and sustain a culture of moral behaviour in a secular society. We will discuss the role of education, media, and community in promoting ethical values. Identify specific ways of cultivating pro-social emotions.
Thursday
Seminar 9
Exploring moral enhancements
This seminar introduces the concept of moral bio-enhancements (Savulescu), which proposes that we could use technology to enhance moral behaviour. We'll discuss the ethical implications of this idea and whether it can effectively address issues like CO2 emissions, wildlife conservation, and poverty eradication. We will also consider the potential justification for moral bio-enhancements – an increasing threat to humanity by a small number of people.
Seminar 10
Societal challenges and moral dilemmas
In this session, we will identify specific moral dilemmas faced by modern societies and how such issues bear on the role of emotions. Participants will explore case studies on climate change, military conflicts, and economic disparities, examining how competing interests and priorities impact moral decision-making. We'll discuss potential pathways for reconciling these dilemmas.
Friday
Seminar 11
Building a collective moral vision
This seminar aims to create a collective moral vision by synthesizing the discussions from previous sessions. Participants will work together to outline a shared ethical framework for addressing contemporary challenges. The goal is to identify common ground and establish a unified approach to promoting moral behaviour in society.
Seminar 12
The future of emotional morality
In this final seminar, we will discuss the future prospects for emotional morality in guiding ethical behaviour. We will explore emerging trends and technologies that may shape the role of emotion in moral decision-making. The session will conclude with reflections on how emotional morality can continue to evolve to address the complex challenges of the future.
Programme timetable
The daily timetable will normally be as follows:
Saturday
14.00–16.30 - Registration
16.30–17.00 - Orientation meeting
17.00–17.30 - Classroom orientation for tutor and students
17.30–18.00 - Drinks reception
18.00–20.00 - Welcome dinner
Sunday – Friday
09.00–10.30 - Seminar
10.30–11.00 - Tea/coffee break
11.00–12.30 - Seminar
12.30–13.30 - Lunch
13.30–18.00 - Afternoons are free for tutorials, individual study, course-related field trips or exploring the many places of interest in and around Oxford.
18.00–19.00 - Dinner (there is a formal gala dinner every Friday to close each week of the programme).
A range of optional social events will be offered throughout the summer school. These are likely to include: a quiz night, visit to historic pubs in Oxford, visit to Christ Church for Evensong and after-dinner talks and discussions.
