Ethics with Austen

Instructor: Rebecca Robb

March 19, 20  |  1-3 p.m.

The differing perspectives of Jane Austen’s characters in Pride and Prejudice will introduce students to Utilitarianism, Ethics of Care, Relational Ethics, Contract and Deontological Ethics. We will place Pride and Prejudice in historical context and discuss ethical themes central to Austen’s work, i.e. individual happiness vs family needs and freedom vs security. Here is a link to an open-copyright edition of Pride and Prejudice: https://www.gutenberg.org/files/1342/1342-h/1342-h.htm  Of course, watching the movie is also an option to familiarize oneself with the characters.   Both of Rebecca’s classes will be more discussion oriented rather than lecture-style.  

Rebecca Robb is a PhD candidate in Ethics and Public Affairs at Carleton University. She holds a Bachelor of Philosophy from the University of Victoria and a Master of Philosophy from Carleton University. Her teaching philosophy centers on an interdisciplinary approach to ethics. While ethics is a branch of philosophy, Rebecca finds it can also be approached through theology, literature, history, or other academic disciplines. At its most basic, the study of ethics is the study of what makes an action morally right or wrong. Rebecca especially enjoys connecting with students new to the discipline. Her focus is always on engaging students in dialogue and encouraging them to bring their life experience to the study of philosophy.