THE ETHICS AND TRAINING OF PROFESSIONS (2008/2009)

Learning outcomes

The course aims at analysing in depth the meaning and the role of ethics, professional ethics in particular (in the working world and in professions). Basically, the ethic dimension is rooted in human action, and this relation brings forth implications that must be fully understood; indeed, it calls upon not merely professional action, but also the professionist him/herself, and the profession of educator in particular. Adopting a working practice inspired by ethical values implies concrete and specific behaviours, hence the necessary reference to “deontological codes”; still that is not enough, because the ethical dimension goes well beyond deontology; it implies the professional subjectivity, the practice of “virtue”, the coming into play of ethical conscience, and the construction of an authentic “professional lifestyle”. From a broader perspective, professional ethics requires the educator to elaborate his own idea both on education and on the grounding link between ethics, work, and economy. Indeed, at the basis of professional ethics lies the question whether ethics, work, and economy are opposed realities because of structural reasons, or just because of some determined historical and cultural conceptions, which may be overcome in the light of new theories and practices.

During the lessons the following indicative topics will be dealt with:
- the need for an educator to have an idea of professional education
- the relation between human action, work, ethical dimension;
- deontologycal codes, characteristics and limits;
- presentation of the educators’ deontologycal code;
- professional deontology and professional ethics: distinction and complementarity;
- deepening of the adult professional moral experience;
- issues on general and applied ethics;
- the role of professional ethics in a humanistic view of education.

Mandatory for everybody:
D. Loro, Formazione ed etica delle professioni. Il formatore e la sua esperienza morale, Milano, ed. Franco Angeli, 2008 (the book will be available by the month of November).

One text selected among the following ones:
Z. Bauman, Homo consumens. Lo sciame inquieto dei consumatori e la miseria degli esclusi, it. trans., Gardolo (TN), Erickson, 2007.
B. Frey, Non per solo denaro, Le motivazioni disinteressate dell'agire economico, Milano, ed. Bruno Mondadori, 2005.
L. Gallino, Il costo umano della flessibilità, Roma-Bari, ed. Laterza, 2003.
S. Zamagni, L’economia del bene comune, Roma, ed. Città Nuova, 2007.


Exam:
At the end of the course an oral examination will take place. Furthermore, during the lessons, students may present and discuss a personal essay dealing with one of the texts in the programme, if they wish. Both the presentation and the oral evaluation will contribute to the final score.