Principles of Ethics (Phil 311)

Fall 2009

Instructor: Dr. Willi= ams

Office: Daniel 208

Office Hours: MW 2-3; TH 2:30-3:30 or by appt.

Email: WilliamsNM@wof= ford.edu

Class Time and Locati= on: TR 1:00-2:20/Daniel 218

Office Phone: 597-490= 7

Course Description
In this course we will examine the ethical theories th= at have shaped Western thought. In particular, we will learn about some of the philosophical debates regarding moral absolutism, cultural relativism, util= itarianism, deontology, virtue ethics as well as social contract theory and feminist ethics. Part of the course is devoted to a critical analysis of contemporary moral problems including but not limited to abortion, animal rights, and euthanasia.

Required Text/Readings

●Exploring Ethics, by Steven M. Cahn, Oxford University Press, 2009.

●Handouts<= /o:p>

Learning Outcomes
By the end of the sem= ester, students will be able to:

●recognize and = apply basic patterns of logical reasoning within ethical contexts;

●identify certa= in ethical theories as well as selected arguments for and against those theori= es;

●effectively communicate, in both oral and written form, specific moral arguments. =

Methods of Evaluation

►In-class exams: There are two exams scheduled for the class.

►Argumentative Essay: this will be a 7-10 page paper. Although t= he main objective is to demonstrate a clear understanding of ethical theory, students are permitted to choose between two strategies: (1) write a paper critiquing one or more ethical theories or (2) write a paper applying ethic= al theory to a bona fide moral dilemma or current case study.

There are three stage= s to this project. First, you will choose a topic that you find interesting. Sec= ond, you will turn in a one-page outline where you clearly state your position (central thesis), supporting reasons, objections to your supporting reasons= and your responses to those objections. Third, you will present your outline to= the class. These brief presentations will utilize your oral presentation skills= and provide you with critical feedback from classmates. Outlines and presentati= ons are not graded; however, they must be approved by me before you are eligibl= e to turn in your paper.

►Reading presentations: At the start of every class meeting, I will se= lect two students to give presentations on the assigned reading material. Because I = will choose at random, it is imperative that everyone come to class prepared to = give a presentation if called upon. In your presentations, you must: (1) identify the thesis of the article; (2) summarize the main points; and (3) specify one point that made you think and explain your thoughts on it. All presentations need to be typed, double-spaced, 12 pt. font with standard margins. They should range from 300-500 words. You may not read your presentations. They will be graded on clarity, coverage, and analysis.

Distribution of Graded Work=

►Two in-class e= xams =3D 1^st @ 25% and 2^nd @ 30%

►Argumentative = essay =3D 30%

►Reading presen= tations =3D 15%

Grading Scale* (percentage): A =3D100-94; A- =3D 93-90; B+ =3D= 89-87; B =3D86-84; B- =3D83-80; C+ =3D 79-77; C =3D76-74; C- =3D73-70; D =3D69-60; F= =3Dbelow 60

*Grades in this cours= e are based on academic achievement and competence.

Missed Work

If you know in advanc= e that you will not be attending class when an exam is scheduled, you must see me = as soon as possible so that we can make necessary arrangements. If I don’= ;t hear from you by the next class period you will have forfeited the grade. <= o:p>

Attendance

Attendance is require= d in this class. You are allowed two absences with no grade reduction, thereafter one point off your final grade for every unexcused absence. I wi= ll record attendance at every class meeting. You are required to arrive at cla= ss on time and remain for the entire period in order to be counted as present.=

Honor Code

Academic dishonesty w= ill be handed in accordance to Wofford’s honor code, which can be found at http://www.wofford.edu/studentlife/honor_code.pdf

Disability

If you have a disabil= ity that requires my attention please let me know as soon as possible so that I may accommodate you.

Reading schedule (subject to change)

“Chapters”= ; refer to the Cahn text.

Week 1 – Sept. 8-10<= /p>

T- Introduction; Vide= o: “What is Right?”

TH- Plato, Republic (selections) handout=

Week 2 – Sept. 15-17 Absol= utism and Relativism

T- Plato, Crito

TH-Benedict, “D= efense of Ethical Relativism” and W.T. Stace “Ethical Relativism”= ; (E-Reserve)

Week 3 – Sept. 22-24

T- Chapters 3, 4, 5

TH- Chapters 6, 7, 9<= u>

Week 4 – Sept. 29-Oct. 1 Utilitarianism and Deontology

T- Chapter 12, 13, 8<= o:p>

TH- Chapters 10, 11 and Feldman’s, “Kant’s Moral Theory: Exposition and Critique” (E-Reserve= )

Week 5 – Oct. 6-8 Virtu= e Ethics

T- Exam= #1

TH- Chapters 14, 15

Week 6 – Oct. 13-15 Social Contract Theory

T- Louden’s = 220;On Some Vices of Virtue Ethics” (E-Reserve) and Chapter 17

TH- Chapters 18, 19 <= o:p>

Week 7 – Oct. 20-22 Moral Problems

T- Chapter 20 and “Feminist Ethics” Stanf= ord Encyclopedia of Philosophy http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/feminism-ethics/=

TH- Chapters 21 and 22 (Abortion)

Week 8– Oct. 27-29

T- Chapter 23

TH- Chapters 28, 29 (Terrorism)

F-Fall Break

Week 9 – Nov. 3-5

T- Chapters 30, 31 (P= ornography)

TH- Chapters 34, 35 (= Animal Rights)

Week 10 – Nov. 10-12=

T- Handout: Singer: “All Animals are Equal” (Video)

TH- Handout: Feminist= ethics and the animal question (Video: Flesh)

Week 11 – Nov. 17-19=

T- Chapters 32, 33 (Affirmative Action) Paper outline due

TH- Chapters 24, 25 (Euthanasia)

Week 12 – Nov. 24-26=

T- Exam #2

TH- Thanksgiving Brea= k

Week 13 – Dec. 1-3

Student presentations=

Week 14 – Dec. 8-10<= /p>

Student presentations=

Final exam: Argumenta= tive Essay