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
Text:
Applying Ethics (10th ed.), Olen, Van Camp, and Barry (
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 moral problems
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 several controversial 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
posted on-line, or made available via class handouts. There may also be films assigned for viewing
at home.
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.
*The department maintains a web site, which contains links to useful resources, fun philosophical diversions, and information about coming events of potential interest. Go to http://www.bridgew.edu/philosophy and have a look around!
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
The basic outline for the course will
be a
Jan 19 – introduction to course
and subject
Jan 24-26 – Ch. 1-2 – the nature of morality and moral reasons
Jan 31-Feb 2 – Ch. 3: sexual morality
Feb 7-9 – Ch. 4: abortion
Feb 14-16 – Ch. 7: capital punishment
Feb 21-23 – Ch. 5 euthanasia or Ch. 6 stem cell research/cloning
Feb 28- continued
Mar 1 – 1st midterm exam
Mar 6-8 – spring break
Mar 13-15 – obscenity, pornography, and censorship
Mar 20-22 – Ch. 8: terrorism
Mar 27-29 – Ch. 9: globalization and social justice
Apr 3 – ch. 9 continued
April 5: 2nd midterm exam
Apr 10-12 – drugs
Apr 17-19 – guns
Apr 24-26 – Ch. 11: animal rights and the environment
May 3 – final exam, 8:00 am