Theories of the Good In this contemporary introduction to ethics and political philosophy, we will explore prominent philosophical accounts of what makes actions, lives, and societies good. Among the topics we will consider are: the relationship between right acts and good acts; the role of morality in a good life, the nature and importance of democracy and liberty, and the role governments should play in promoting welfare and well-being. Among the theories we will consider are: deontology, consequentialism, virtue ethics, welfarism, and liberalism.

Moral Psychology Moral psychology is the study of human behavior in the context of morality. How do we think about morality? How do we make moral judgments? How do we behave in moral situations? Answering these questions forces us to think deeply about the nature of our actions and the way we do and should evaluate them. In this course we will explore these questions and more. Specific topics covered may include  altruism and egoism, moral judgment, moral responsibility, practical deliberation, intentional action, virtue and vice, character, and moral development. Readings will be drawn from both philosophy and psychology.

Early Modern Philosophy This course offers an introduction to some of the most influential European philosophers of the 17th and 18th centuries: Descartes, Spinoza, Locke, Berkeley, Hume, and Kant. We will consider and critically examine the responses these thinkers gave to various questions in metaphysics and epistemology, including the following: What is the relationship between reality and our perception of reality? What is the nature of the mind and how is it related to the body? What is the nature of physical reality? Which of our beliefs, if any, do we have good reason to maintain in the face of radical skepticism? 3 hrs lect.

Senior Independent Research In this course senior philosophy majors will complete an independent research project. The course has two components: (1) a group workshop in which students refine their research skills and develop parts of their projects, and (2) individual meetings with an adviser who is knowledgeable about the student's research topic. Students will engage in research activities such as tutorials and peer reviews. Before the course begins, students’ research topics and advisers will be decided in consultation with members of the department.

Human Nature and Ethics This course offers a historical introduction to different views of morality and human nature, and the relationship between them. We will cover the central figures of both the ancient and modern periods of philosophy and consider their answers to questions fundamental to our lives and the decisions we make.  We will consider the nature of the good life, happiness, and the virtues; whether or not a moral life is in our nature, and whether reason or emotions are the best guides to morality; and the nature of justice, and what role it plays for creatures like us.  The philosophers we will study include Aristotle, Hobbes, Butler, Mill, and Kant. 3 hrs lect.

Theories of the Good What makes for a good person? What makes for a good society? What makes for a good piece of art? What makes for a good life? This introductory course will explore theories of the good within ethics, political philosophy, and aesthetics. Drawing on both historical and contemporary works, we will consider a diverse range of perspectives on what makes someone or something good.

The Philosophy of Happiness This is a course on the philosophy of happiness, well-being, and human flourishing. We will consider both the big questions about the nature of these states (for instance, “What is happiness?” and “Is it necessary for a worthwhile life?”) and the specific topics typically taken to be essential to these states, such as pleasure, life satisfaction, virtue, and agency. While working from a philosophical perspective, we will integrate psychological research from the field of “positive psychology” into our analyses. Our readings will draw on contemporary works by both philosophers and psychologists, and will include works by Haybron, Feldman, Csikszentmihalyi, Diener, and Seligman.

Lorraine Besser

Reviews and ratings for Lorraine Besser at Middlebury College.Lorraine Besser teaches Theories of the Good, Moral Psychology, Early Modern Philosophy and more.  Explore top rated instructors and find the best for you.Is Lorraine Besser good ? Find out on MiddCourses.

This course provides a thorough beginning to the philosophical tradition of europe in the early modern period. The readings are challenging primary sources, but each reading is well-developed during lecture the following day.

This was not my favorite class. I found Professor Besser's teaching style to be slow-paced, and I was really craving an argument for the greater relevance of what we were learning. Instead, this class felt very much like a memorization exercise of different thinkers and their beliefs, without examining wider implications for philosophical questions.

The professor isn't always the clearest, but she is always willing to sit down and talk it through. The class itself was really interesting. The professor is really good at choosing readings for the class, and she teaches them consistently. If you ever struggle with the materials, she is willing to accommodate you to make sure you can get what you need done.