PHILOSOPHICAL ENGLISH

The course explores the fundamentals of ethics through critical analysis of Anglo-Saxon philosophical thought, with particular attention to the theoretical contributions of John Locke, John Stuart Mill, and Henry Sidgwick, and then applies these frameworks to the complex ethical challenges posed by technological integration in the world of work and contemporary social dynamics.

Students will gain an in-depth understanding of the main Anglo-Saxon ethical currents and develop the analytical tools necessary to critically assess the ethical implications of digital transformation in work and social practices. At the end of the course, they will be able to apply classical philosophical principles to the analysis of emerging ethical dilemmas related to automation, artificial intelligence, digital surveillance, and new forms of social and work organisation. The course is largely devoted to discussion and debates, and to writing practice offered in each lesson.

Minimum language proficiency level: B2 CEFR according to university requirements for admission to master's degree programs.

Module 1 - Theoretical foundations and technological applications

- John Locke's empiricist ethics: property, consent and digital rights in the knowledge economy
- Mill's utilitarianism: maximising social welfare versus algorithmic efficiency and work automation
- Sidgwick and normative ethics: balancing individual and collective utility in digital platforms

Module 2 - Ethical dilemmas in the digital world

- Automation and technological literacy: ethical responsibility according to utilitarian principles
- Digital surveillance: privacy, control and individual freedom from Locke's perspective
- Work and digital platforms: workers' rights and new forms of exploitation

Module 3 - Social impacts and ethical transformations

- Social media and behavioural manipulation: Mill's principle of harm in the digital age
- Artificial intelligence and decision-making: moral responsibility and technological delegation
- Digital inequalities and social justice: access to technology as a fundamental right

Each lesson will introduce the topics covered, offer in-depth study of specific vocabulary and terminology, reading and comprehension texts, and short written exercises. The course program and examination procedures will be the same for both attending and non-attending students.

The materials will be made available by the instructor on Moodle, within the folders for each lesson.

Short written test consisting of an analysis or commentary on a topic covered in the course, based on essay questions provided during the exam.

The correction of the written test will take into account:

- Analytical and critical skills: ability to develop an in-depth and original analysis of the chosen topic, demonstrating independent critical thinking
- Linguistic proficiency: grammatical correctness, lexical accuracy and appropriate use of specialist terminology
- Theoretical knowledge: effective and relevant application of the theoretical and methodological content learned in the three modules of the course
- Argumentative skills: construction of a logical, coherent and well-structured discourse, with the development of convincingly argued theses
- Originality and creativity: ability to propose personal interpretations supported by solid theoretical foundations

written

The lecturer has a duty to ensure that the rules regarding the authenticity and originality of exam tests and papers are respected. Therefore, if there is suspicion of irregular conduct, an additional assessment may be conducted, which could differ from the original exam description.

1. Grade range: 28-30 with honours

Complete mastery of specialist English terminology
Original and in-depth critical analysis
Fluid and well-structured argumentation
Confident and well-applied theoretical knowledge
Ability to synthesise across modules

2. Grade range: 25-27

Good linguistic mastery with appropriate use of specialist vocabulary
Solid analytical skills with hints of originality
Coherent and well-organised argumentation
Complete theoretical knowledge of the content

3. Grade range: 22-24

Adequate linguistic competence with some lexical inaccuracies
Correct analysis but with limited critical insights
Linear and comprehensible argumentation
Satisfactory theoretical knowledge

4. Grade range: 19-21

Basic linguistic competence with errors that do not compromise comprehension
Simple but correct analysis of essential content
Elementary but logical argumentation
Superficial but present theoretical knowledge

5. Grade 18

Minimal linguistic competence with frequent errors
Analysis lacking in depth but essentially correct
Argumentation fragile but comprehensible
Theoretical knowledge incomplete but sufficient to pass

6. Grade range: < 18

Serious linguistic deficiencies that compromise communication
Incorrect or absent analysis
Incoherent argumentation
Inadequate theoretical knowledge

The course adopts an interactive approach that links philosophical theory and contemporary technological reality through:

- Lectures providing a theoretical framework
- Critical discussion and analysis of articles on ethics and technology
- Guided debates on specific ethical dilemmas

As this is an applied language course, regular attendance is strongly recommended

This subject deals with topics related to the macro-area "Human capital, health, education" and contributes to the achievement of one or more goals of U. N. Agenda for Sustainable Development