PHIL 102 Introduction to Ethics

Course Description

This course is an introduction to ethical theory. Students will explore several core problems in philosophical ethics such as whether morality is relative or culturally determined and whether morality depends on god or religion. Students will explore the central normative ethical theories, namely, utilitarianism, deontology, virtue ethics, social contract theory and rights ethics. Finally, we will reflect on certain empirical findings about moral development and moral psychology in light of our new understanding of ethical theory.

Course Goal

The overarching goal of this course is for students to acquire an understanding of the main moral theories, to improve their critical thinking and moral reasoning skills, to acquire a framework for understanding and resolving moral problems, and to reflect on their own moral development.

Student Learning Objectives

Students completing this course should be able to

1. Understand fundamental humanistic concepts such as morality, rights, autonomy, free will, responsibility, virtue, happiness, justice, and utility.

2. Appreciate major moral theories such as divine command theory, ethical egoism, cultural relativism, subjectivism, utilitarianism, deontologism, virtue theory, and care ethics.

3. Consider moral thinking and theory in light of moral psychological theories.

4. Apply ethical theories to moral problems or moral dilemmas.

5. Express a well-reasoned moral opinion both in writing and orally.

6. Recognize and construct arguments.

7. Evaluate and respond to arguments.

8. Read and discuss critically texts in philosophical ethics.

9. Apply basic rules of formal and informal reasoning.

10. Employ ethical concepts.

11. Express his or her position with clarity and precision both verbally and in writing.

Required Text

Boss, Judith. Ethics for Life: A Text with Readings, 4^th ed. (McGraw-Hill: New York), 2008.