Hone your philosophy, master how to debate the moral argument with theists, and learn how to improve and defend your own moral reasoning and worldview. Have challenges in this subject to pose to me? Curious to study a subject so important and controversial? This is the course for you! How to register is explained below. (I also offer nine other courses in philosophy and history—check them all out!)

This is a good part of becoming a better philosopher, for your own worldview and for combating religion. You’ll learn all about the science and philosophy of moral reasoning, justifying moral values and applying them in the real world, from readings I’ll supply in class, and a textbook you will need that covers both: Personality, Identity, and Character (which, optionally, you can affordably rent on kindle for the month).

You’ll be able to test out your thinking and ask questions of a history of philosophy Ph.D. with multiple peer reviewed publications on moral philosophy. You’ll learn how to think more effectively about building your own moral system and making better moral decisions, and be more adept at evaluating the moral reasoning of others, and persuading them to morally improve their conduct and decisions. And you’ll be more adept at answering godists who claim atheism provides no basis for morality, or that moral reality proves the existence of a god.

Share this with anyone you know who might be keen. Or both! Anyone can also still register and take other courses I am offering at the same time next month (see below).

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This course is particularly important for atheists, because unlike religious moral systems, atheist moral systems are evidence- and science-based, incorporate logic and reason in an informed way, and attend to the factual realities of human life and emotion. So we need to be serious about it, and get up to speed on the science and philosophy required to morally reason well. Completing this course will help you become a better, more thoughtful and aware person, and provide you with information & techniques to help bring others to the same state.

This course is also useful for engaging, answering, or arguing with Christians and other theists; and when promoting atheism and humanism generally. Because it is commonly the case that you will do better knowing more about how to defend and explain why atheists are moral, and where our moral values come from, and how we develop them and why, and why no one needs God or religion to do that.

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Subjects covered in this course will include:

  • What the words “morals” and “morality” can variously mean and how to make use of that knowledge in public discourse.
  • What we must mean when we argue others “should” share or adopt or agree with a moral opinion, and how to argue they should.
  • How to use science and philosophy to determine what our own moral values are or should be, and to reason from personal values to best actions.
  • And what brain science and sociology tell us about the cognitive errors that impair sound moral decision-making and how to overcome them or control or compensate for them.

Just one month. Study at your own pace and time. Register now!

New Method of Registering

I have moved all my online courses to a Google Groups platform. They are more affordable. And any class can be taken in any future month you like. Now any of my ten standard courses are available in any month. Courses will always start the first of the month and end at the close of that month.

Registration for any single one-month course is only $49. Every course also requires you purchase a single course text, in either print or digital format, which you should give yourself plenty of time to receive before starting the course. The required text is explained in each course description. For Moral Reasoning, it’s Personality, Identity, and Character.

Students will require a Google Account (creating one is free and easy and has many other uses) and must pay the registration fee using my PayPal portal (you don’t need a PayPal account; any suitable credit or bank card will do). After paying the $49, email me with a note that you’ve paid and what for (which month and course; you can choose to start in any future month, any course I am offering; remember to also get the course text, per above). In that email please provide me the same name you used with PayPal, and your Google Account email address, so I can invite you into the course forum. You will be sent that invite by email on or before the first of the month you chose.

Then participate as much or as little as you like! Read the assigned course materials each week, answer the forum challenge questions, and post any questions or challenges you have on the subject. I’ll provide serious and attentive answers and assessments and continue to engage with you as much as you need throughout the month.

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