General description

The Ethics minor study program is offered by the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences for Bachelor's students in the Faculty of Economics, Business Administration and Informatics, and the Faculty of Science. It gives insights into a coherent field of interrelated themes and disciplines, and allows students to choose their own area of focus.
Ethics deals with moral, social, and political issues against the backdrop of an exploration of the methodological and technical fundamentals of moral theories. Among other things the program is designed to enable participants to acquire a basic knowledge of the methodology of practical philosophy, familiarity with the classical conception of moral and ethical argumentation, and the ability to methodically reflect on ethical issues, and discuss or work with them independently at a high level of rational discourse.

Admission requirements

For general Informations on Application see: https://www.uzh.ch/cmsssl/en/studies/application; More Informations in regulations and admission requirements of the program of study.

Educational goals

The goals of the program include the acquisition of knowledge of key concepts, problems, and theories in the field of ethics. Students gain insights into the history of western ideas and concepts, and become familiar with the distinctive nature of ethical issues and argumentation. They learn appropriate ways of talking and writing about philosophical texts and argumentation, and how to deploy specific tools and resources. The program is designed to promote enhanced analytical and reflective skills, keen methodological awareness, cultivated linguistic and argumentative skills, and hermeneutic competence.
Students of ethics also learn how to critically question assumptions.

ECTS credits

30 ECTS Credits

Program structure

Participants have a free choice of modules from those on offer. Please note that certain modules may assume prior knowledge or skills. Please also note that the graded module component amounts to at least 9 ECTS credits.

Part-time studies

Part-time study is possible; the period of study will be extended accordingly.

Major/minor subject combinations

The study program can be chosen in combination with a major program at the Faculty of Economics, Business Administration and Informatics, or the Faculty of Science.

Language of instruction

German