The course is the first of two semester courses containing a deeper introduction to contemporary theories in ethics. Emphasis is put not only on the overview of current approaches, but especially on their context and historical roots. Deontological, eudaimonistic and utilitarian theories are presented, both in their historical framework and in a systematic way. Students will gain an overview of various ethical theories, the ability to assess their strengths, limits and their influence on general thinking in general. At the same time, they will gain the ability to think philosophically and ethically independently, to analyze behaviour in terms of ethical motivation and consequences, and the ability to carry out ethical reflection on specific problems of human existence.