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This course introduces students to philosophy via a careful and nuanced examination of contemporary hot-button issues in ethics. The goals of the course are the following:

                  1. The students should learn varying views on the topics, as well as the arguments for and against them.

                  2. The students should learn how to critically evaluate arguments on these topics, and, by extension, arguments in general.

                  3. The students should be introduced to various tools from the philosopher's toolbox, e.g. logic, critical thinking, conceptual analysis, identifying fallacious and cogent reasoning, clarifying and reconstructing murkily presented arguments, as well as learning how to spot errors in the use of empirical data.

                  4. Students should improve their ability to formulate and defend their own ethical views, and argue for them in a way that is charitable to their opponents.

                  5. Students should also learn how various ethical theories relate to specific topics in applied ethics.

Further information can be found on the syllabus page. Below is the schedule of readings, exams, etc. by date.

Course Reading Schedule:

Note - you should read the material and do the homeworks by the date listed next to the reading/homework, unless otherwise noted.

Section 1 - Theory:

    • James Rachels – The Elements of Moral Philosophy

    • August 31

      • Chapter 2 - The Challenge of Cultural Relativism

      • Chapter 3 - Subjectivism in Ethics

      • [recommended, but not required reading, Chapter 1 - What is Morality?]

    • September 2

      • Chapter 7 - The Utilitarian Approach

      • Chapter 8 - The Debate Over Utilitarianism

        • Homework: Take the Moral Sense Test online. Write 1 - 2 pages (typed, double-spaced) on your reactions to the test, and try to determine what it is testing.

    • September 7 - NO CLASSES - LABOR DAY

    • September 9

      • Chapter 9 - Are There Absolute Moral Rules?

      • Chapter 12 - The Ethics of Virtue

Section 2 - Abortion:

Section 3 - Food Aid and Animals:

Section 4 - Euthanasia:

Topical Resources (not required reading):

October 19

October 21 - Midterm [Midterm Study Guide]

Section 5 - Same-Sex Marriage:

Topical Resources (not required reading):

Section 6 - Patriotism, Torture, and Pre-Emptive War:

Topical Resources (not required reading/listening):

Section 7 - Conclusion: Bullshit and Public Discourse

Final Exam Date: 12/15, 10:30-12:30

Introduction