Ethical Theory-- Phi 2600-001

Fall 2000: Monday, Wednesday, 3:30-4:45

Jason M. Sears

Office: FAO 204, Phone: 974-5915

Course Objective: The objective of this course is to introduce the student to major movements in the history of western ethics. By examining contemporary commentators varying interpretations of ethical theories such as Utilitarianism, Deontology, and Virtue Ethics, the student should gain a rudimentary understanding of the fundamental concepts of ethics. We will be dealing primarily with sources that are not easy to handle. Students will find the material much easier to understand if they attend class regularly and participate in class discussions.

Course Requirements: There will be a midterm and a final examination worth seventy-percent of your grade. The remaining thirty-percent of your grade is reserved for class participation. A portion of your class participation grade will consist of 2-3 page critical essays of the assigned readings. The specific topics of these essays will be discussed in class and may take the form of a pop quiz. The remaining portion of your class participation grade is based upon your preparation and participation in class discussions. It should be noted that nothing on this syllabus is written in stone and can be changed with prior notice from the instructor.

Required Text: Ethical Theory edited by Louis P. Pojman

Supplementary Texts:

Plato: Republic

Aristotle: Nicomachean Ethics

Immanuel Kant: Groundwork for the Metaphysic of Morals

John Stuart Mill: Utilitarianism

David Hume: A Treatise of Human Nature

G.E. Moore: Principia Ethica Ethical Theory

Phi 2600-001 Schedule:

August 28, 30 Introduction, Part I: What is Ethics, Part II: Ethical Relativism vs. Ethical Objectivism

September 4, 6 Holiday, Continue Part II

September 11, 13 Continue Part II

September 18, 20 Part III: Ethical Egoism

September 25, 27 Part X: Morality and Self-Interest

October 2, 4 Part V: Utilitarianism

October 9, 11 Continue Part V

October 16, 18 Continue Part V, Midterm Exam

October 23, 25 Part VI: Kantian and Deontological Systems

October 30, Nov. 1 Continue Part VI

November 6, 8 Continue Part VI

November 13, 15 Part VII: Virtue-Based Ethical Systems

November 20, 22 Continue Part VII

November 27, 29 Continue Part VII

December 4, 6 Part VIII: The Fact/Value Problem: Metaethics in the Twentieth Century