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, TR 11-12, or by appointment
Text: Ethics (custom reader), Cahn and Markie, eds. (Oxford)
Overview and objectives:
Ethics, or moral philosophy, is that branch of philosophical inquiry concerned
with concepts of right and wrong action and character. This course is a survey of the central issues
and major theories in the philosophical study of morality. We will consider
topics such as: What are values? What makes right acts right? Why be moral?
What matters more, principles or consequences? What is virtue? Are there
objective moral standards? How are morality, custom and religion connected?
What is justice? What is the good life? 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 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 intuitions
and 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, and (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 may 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, but 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.
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.
Outline:
The basic outline for the course will be as follows, subject to change as
necessary:
Sept. 8 Introduction
to course, discussion of syllabus
Sept. 13-15 Taking
ethics seriously (handout)
Sept. 20-22 Why be moral? (selections from ch.
1; ch. 9)
Sept. 27-29
continued
Oct. 4-6 Morality
and religion; natural law (selections from ch. 1; ch. 3, ch. 4)
Oct. 11 continued
Oct. 13 First
midterm exam
Oct. 18-20 Rationalist
constructivism (ch. 6)
Oct. 25-27 Utilitarianism
(ch. 7, 8)
Nov. 1 continued,
no class 11/3
Nov. 8-10 Moral
sense theory; contractarianism (ch. 5; handout; ch. 10)
Nov. 15-17 continued
Nov. 22 Second
Midterm Exam (11/24=Thanksgiving)
Nov. 29-Dec. 1 Virtue ethics (ch.
2, 11, 12)
Dec. 6-8 continued
Dec. 13 Last day of class;
review
Dec. 20 Final Exam 8:00-10:00