Syllabus – keep handy for reference
Dr. Aeon J. Skoble
341 Tillinghast, x2460
Email: askoble@bridgew.edu Web: http://webhost.bridgew.edu/askoble
Office hours: M 10-11, TTH 1:45-2:45, or by appointment
Text: Applying Ethics (11th ed.), Olen, Van Camp, and Barry (Cengage)
Overview and objectives:
This course is an introduction to philosophical thinking about current moral
issues, sometimes known as practical ethics or applied ethics. We will examine a variety of controversial
issues such as abortion, capital punishment, sexual morality, animal rights,
drugs, pornography, guns, welfare and social justice, discrimination, and
others. Students will learn how to
apply critical reasoning and reflection to issues which often provoke strong
disagreement. We will be analyzing and
discussing philosophical arguments on all facets of these issues. These are questions which you probably have
already put at least some thought into, but in any event you will likely find
this course challenging, in the sense of being obliged to confront questions
you have not already dealt with in a rigorous way, or in the sense of having
your presuppositions subjected to scrutiny.
By studying the logical foundations of the various arguments on all
sides of these issues, you should
(1) get a better sense of what constitutes a satisfactory answer to them
(2) have a better idea of the relation between facts and values, as well as develop a facility with the language of moral discourse
(3) experience a marked improvement in critical reasoning skills, especially in terms of reasoning well in moral argument
(4) develop an appreciation for philosophic inquiry as an important element of a liberal arts education that entails lifelong learning in the search for wisdom
Requirements:
First, you are required to do all
the assigned readings prior to class, so as to be able to comment on them if
called on, and to ask intelligent questions about things you didn’t understand
or things that merit further discussion.
Besides the readings in your textbook, there will be additional readings
and videos posted on-line, or made available via class handouts.
Second, you are required to attend
the class. A large portion of the
learning that will go on is a function of the unique real-time dynamic of a
college class. The word “attend” here
connotes “attentiveness,” not merely presence.
Hopefully you will find the class sufficiently exciting that you will
prefer not missing it, and will come prepared and alert. In any case, absences in excess of three will
result in reduction in your grade, as will disruptive behavior or excessive
lateness. If you do have to miss class,
it is your responsibility to get the notes, and any announcements or additional
assignments, from a classmate.
Third, there will be two midterm
exams weighted 30% each and a comprehensive final exam weighted 40%, subject to
the adjustments noted above.
Fourth, try to observe some of the
ground rules of civilized society: Anything with an off switch should be off
(as should, ideally, hats), eat and drink quietly and discreetly, don’t read
the newspaper or do homework for another class, don’t go to sleep. You are not to use your phone or laptop
during class. Disruptive behavior will
result in your being asked to leave.
Conversely, constructive participation will be rewarded. Please be attentive to the distinction
between criticizing an idea and personal attacks. Disagreement is productive, angry fighting is
not.
Outline:
Our aim in this class is to engage in moral reasoning. Our textbook begins with an overview of the
fundamentals of moral theory and of logical reasoning, and that’s just where we
need to start. The first two chapters
will acquaint you with the tools, vocabulary, and methods of logic and philosophy,
and equip you to engage the controversies of the following chapters. The remaining chapters of the book combine
schematic breakdowns of the primary pro and con arguments with original essays
by leading thinkers which develop these position
Statement
on Open Discussion of Controversial Issues: This course deals with issues that are always
provocative and controversial. A requirement of the class is a willingness to
listen to and debate others’ points of view and a commitment to freedom of
expression. There is no requirement to accept any view, but toleration is
crucial. If you are not comfortable with lively and vigorous debate in which
your views will be challenged and in which you may freely challenge others’
views (including the professor’s), you should not take this class. The
willingness to engage in critical examination and critical re-thinking of what
you think you know and what others think they know to be true is a central
prerequisite for the class. There will not be any “trigger warnings” in this class.
The phrase “I’m offended” indicates an emotional state, not an argument. If you
are easily offended, please do not take this class.
We will use eight of the book’s twelve chapters, and I will provide the
readings for the four topics not covered by the textbook.
The basic outline for the course will be as follows, subject to change as
necessary:
Sept. 3 Introduction
to course, discussion of syllabus
Sept. 8-15 Ch.
1-2 – the nature of morality and moral reasons (no class 9/10; 9/17)
Sept. 22-24 Ch. 3 – Sexual Morality
Sept. 29-Oct. 1 Ch. 4 - Abortion
Oct.6- 8 Ch.
7 – Capital Punishment
Oct. 13 First
Midterm Exam (no class 10/15)
Oct. 20-22 Ch.
8 – War and Terrorism
Oct. 27-29 Ch. 9 – Globalization/Sweatshops
Nov. 3-5 Immigration
Nov. 10-12 Drugs
Nov. 17-19 Guns
Nov. 24 Second
Midterm Exam (11/26=Thanksgiving)
Dec. 1-3 Ch.
11 – Animals and Environment
Dec. 8-10 Organs
Dec 15 Final Exam 8:00-10:00