PHIL-2306 Ethics

Donald Becker

Credit Spring 2024

Section(s)

PHIL-2306-045 (94069)
LEC DIL ONL DIL

Course Requirements

There will be two essay tests (30% each) and a paper with a mandatory rewrite (40%). This will yield  a raw score out of 100 points from which there can be deductions for failure to participate as required in the online discussions.

Final grades will be assigned based on the following point totals:
80-100: A
60-79: B
40-59: C
20-39: D
Below 20: F

Readings

Required Test:

Exploring Ethics, sixth edition, by Steven M Cahn

Additional required readings are posted in Blackboard under “Course Material”.

Course Subjects

Introduction

Challenges to Moral Philosophy

      Does morality depend on religion

      Relativism

      Egoism

Moral Theory

      Utilitarianism

      Kant’s Deontological Ethics

      Virtue Ethics (both Aristotle and The Ethic of Care)

APPLIED ETHICS

      Abortion

      Capital Punishment

Student Learning Outcomes/Learning Objectives

Departmental Course Student Learning Outcomes

  • Identify and discuss meaningfully major figures, divisions, theories and concepts in ethics
  • Analyze written texts in moral philosophy
  • Apply concepts from philosophy to moral issues
  • Develop and defend a moral argument in a written essay

General Education Competencies

  • Communication Skills: Develop, interpret, and express ideas and information through written, oral and visual communication that is adapted to purpose, structure, audience, and medium.
  • Critical Thinking Skills: Gather, analyze, synthesize, evaluate and apply information for the purposes of innovation, inquiry, and creative thinking.
  • Personal Responsibility: Identify and apply ethical principles and practices to decision-making by connecting choices, actions and consequences.
  • Social Responsibility (Civic and Cultural Awareness): Analyze differences and commonalities among peoples, ideas, aesthetic traditions, and cultural practices to include intercultural competence, knowledge of civic responsibility, and the ability to engage effectively in regional, national, and global communities.

Office Hours

M T W Th F S Su 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM Virtual

NOTE Call me at 512.223.9203. Almost always, I'll answer my phone. If I don't, LEAVE A MESSAGE WITH YOUR PHONE NUMBER, and I'll get back to you that day (probably) or the next. If you note a time that a return call would be convenient, I can probably accommodate that.

Office Hours

M T W Th F S Su 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM Virtual

NOTE Call me at 512.223.9203. Almost always, I'll answer my phone. If I don't, LEAVE A MESSAGE WITH YOUR PHONE NUMBER, and I'll get back to you that day (probably) or the next. If you note a time that a return call would be convenient, I can probably accommodate that.

Published: 01/12/2024 09:00:36