This course is an advanced seminar in ethical theory. Each seminar will be defined by a topic that considers both meta-ethical and normative ethical issues. Topics in meta-ethics may include: Do moral facts exist? Are there moral intuitions? Are we free to always act on the strongest desire? Is there such a thing as moral responsibility? Topics in normative ethics may include: How ought one to act? Do human beings have moral obligations to nonhuman animals? What role should religion play in ethics? The class will offer intensive readings on a topic selected by the professor as well as instruction and practice in the process of philosophical research and writing.