08.03.2010
From 2nd to 4th March Mr. Professor Dr. Vittorio Hösle from the University of Notre Dame in the USA held his lecture "Principles of Philosophy and Ethics" at the NIT.
Fortunately, we were able to catch him for a short interview...
NIT: How long have you been instructing at the NIT?
Prof. Hösle: Quite a while. Since around 2003.
NIT: If you have lectured before at NIT, why have you chosen to hold another lecture here? In other words, why do you like it here or what do you especially like about the NIT?
Prof. Hösle: There is a lot that I like: The students are exceptionally good. They are very talented and willing to work. At the same time they are strongly interested in questions of morality. Because of the predominant internationality there are also many varied and different perspectives. The NIT can rightly be proud of its students who are intellectually as well as morally above average.
NIT: What makes the NIT students stand out? What is characteristic of them?
Prof. Hösle: As mentioned in the last answer, the NIT students are not only very capable and intelligent, but they also possess a strong interest in questions of morality.
NIT: What are the main contents and goals of your course? Why should the students definitely not miss your course?
Prof. Hösle: On the first day, fundamentals of ethics are discussed such as evaluating human actions and the criteria for evaluation. Moral principles are brought into question. Day two deals with morality in the economy. And day three covers moral development, what makes it up, and what it depends on.
NIT: Where do you see possibilities for improvement? What would you like to see more or less of?
Prof. Hösle: Generally I have a very good impression and would not like to presume myself able to give a general evaluation or suggestions for improvement, because I would at least need a better look into the other courses to do so. It is somewhat of a pity to be pressed for time due to my course being shortened from 4 down to 3 days. Unfortunately some of the contents had to be removed because of this, and there was less time remaining for discussions. Of course I can understand this in light of the entire workload the students have to achieve.
NIT: Thank you very much for your time, for the interview and for your response! We’d like to wish you continued success with your lectures!