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 7 – Introduction to course, discussion of syllabus
Sept 12-14 – Taking ethics seriously (handout)
Sept 19-21- Why be
moral? (selections
from ch. 1; ch. 9)
Sept 26-28 – Morality and religion;
natural law (selections from ch. 1; ch. 3, ch. 4)
Oct 3 (no class 10/5) - continued
Oct 10 - First midterm exam
Oct 12 -17 (no class 10/19) - Rationalist constructivism (ch. 6)
Oct 24-31 (no class 11/2) - Utilitarianism;
Contractarianism (ch. 7, 8, 10)
Nov 7- tbd
Nov 9 – second midterm exam
Nov 14-16 – Moral Sense/Scottish Enlightenment (ch 5;
handout)
Nov 21-30 - Virtue ethics (ch 2, 11, 12)
Dec 5-7 – applications of moral theory to practical problems
Dec 12– last day of class; review for final exam
Dec 19, 8:00 AM – final exam