Course Description

This course is an introduction to moral reasoning. We will survey important ethical theories and apply them to social problems. Throughout the course, we will be analyzing our own beliefs about responsibility, duty, justice, and the good life while we examine belief systems for consistency. This course section is oriented around analyzing ethical questions in the realm of environmental sustainability and the ethics of climate change.

Objectives

The principal goal of this course is for each student to become more aware of moral reasoning and to become more proficient at evaluating and producing sound moral arguments.  The aims of the course include:

a.  to be able to identify moral argument

b.  to develop the ability to critically evaluate the assumptions which ground such arguments

c.  to support moral arguments with coherent, relevant, and sound reasons

d.  to communicate thoughts clearly and precisely

e.  to become familiar with the history of ethical thought in the western tradition

f.  to learn about pressing moral questions concerning environmental problems

g. to come to see yourself as an active part of your community, with rights and responsibilities.

Texts

1. Louis Pojman, Moral Philosophy: A Reader, 3rd ed., Hackett, 2003.

2. Articles that can be downloaded from MyCourses. It is a good idea to print these so that you can mark them up. Printing for this course is available free in the Bldg. 6 computer labs.

Methods

The primary goal of the class is to gain skill in thinking critically and systematically about moral issues. From the perspective of the past, we will learn about ethical theory. Pphilosophers have developed systems of ethical reasoning to answer questions about which actions are right, which actions are wrong, and how we can tell. We will read canonical texts and learn the general outlines of important ethical theories. From the present and with an eye to the future, we will discuss moral problems we face as individuals and as a society. We will use ethical theory to clarify these problems and to suggest solutions.


Most class time will be either lecture or discussion, with a few group activities and, rarely, short videos. I place a high value on interesting discussion, and the key to a good discussion is to come to class prepared. Preparation requires having completed the assigned reading, and it requires more. Good preparation requires anticipating what ought to be discussed and what questions need to be addressed.

Evaluation

Argument Outlines (three at 15% each), 45%

Homework, Quizzes and In-class Assignments,  35%

Participation,  5%

Final Exam,  15%


Argument Outlines — Three argument outlines, each up to one page in length, are due this quarter. The format can be found elsewhere on this blog (under “Assignments”). These are due in class and in printed, not electronic, form.


Homework, Quizzes, and In-class Assignments — Reading assignments are due before coming to class. Since discussion is the medium through which philosophy is practiced, it is essential that we are all prepared to take full advantage of the time during class. At the beginning of certain class meetings, I will collect a comment or question that you have on the day’s reading. Your comment may be as short as a couple of sentences or as long as a couple of paragraphs. What you write should demonstrate that you have read and thought about the day’s assignment. I hope that these will provide the foundation for interesting discussions. The days that comments/questions are due are noted on the course schedule. In addition, there will be several in-class quizzes. Examples of comments are here.


Participation — Dialogue and reflection are key components of philosophy: we share ideas with others and then use their critique to improve our arguments. For this reason, informed and reflective discussion is central to the success of our class. Discussion skills include:

  • speaking up in support of your moral beliefs;
  • remaining respectful of others;
  • being open-minded about the possibility of altering a belief;
  • inviting others to engage in dialogue, and supporting their chance to express themselves even when they disagree with you; and
  • keeping the discussion focused and on topic.


Final Exam — Our final exam is scheduled for Monday, May 17. The final exam is cumulative.

Missed Assignments — I do not accept late comments/homework for full credit under any circumstances. Instead, the lowest two comment or quiz grades will be dropped. I will accept late argument outlines, but with hefty deductions.