Introduction to Ethics
Jacob S. Mills, Instructor
Telephone: 713-825-6913
E-mail: electrictension77@gmail.com
If you do not understand something in class or are having trouble with the material, do
not hesitate to contact me so we can talk.
Texts:
Texts can be found in pdf form on my site in the Learning Web. Texts obtained this way
will need to be printed out so that you can have them to refer to in class. If you do not
have access to the internet contact me and we can make the appropriate arrangements.
Additional handouts will be provided in class.
Course Description: This class introduces you to ethics by considering the positions and
arguments of some of the most important historical figures in the field (Socrates, Plato,
Aristotle, Mill, and Kant). Some of the major ethical theories examined will be the divine
command theory, natural law ethics, utilitarianism, deontological ethics, and virtue
ethics. Much of philosophy is about arguments. Without good reasons a philosophical
position is no better than an irrationally held opinion that may or may not happen to be
right. Therefore this class should also enable students to develop skills in logic and
critical analysis.
Student Learning Objectives: Upon completion of the course, students should be able
to:
 Demonstrate a rough understanding of what ethics is,
 Comprehend the ways arguments work to establish the truth of conclusions both
formally and informally,
 Appreciate the importance of the work of major philosophers,
 Possess an awareness of major ethical theories,
 Critically evaluate their own and other’s beliefs on the basis of good and bad
reasons for holding those beliefs
In addition, it is my responsibility to help you increase your reading, listening, and
writing skills. To help in that direction, I may test you over materials presented in the
book that may not be presented during lectures. I will also test you over material
presented in lectures that may not appear in the book. The former is why it is essential to
do the readings, the latter is why it is essential to regularly attend class.
EVALUATION:
There are three closed book tests (100 points each) (the final test is not cumulative).
Each test consists of short answer questions and one essay question. The short answer
section is worth 50 points and the essay is worth 50 points. Before the test I will hand out
4-5 essay questions from which I will pick 2 on the day of the test. You will chose only
one out of the 2 I pick. You MUST be prepared to answer any of the 4-5 essay questions
I hand out. All make up tests are available only with prior approval. This means if
you miss the test and haven’t already cleared your absence with me in advance you will
earn a “0” on the test and will not be able to make it up.
 Attendance (25 points) 5 points will be deducted from your attendance grade for each
unexcused absence
 An optional 2-3 page Argument Paper will be open to anyone who feels they need it.
The grade on the Argument Paper (should it be higher) will replace your lowest test
score.
ATTENDANCE: Philosophy is an activity, something you do. Therefore, regular
attendance and participation are essential to satisfactory completion of this course. If for
some urgent reason you will not be able to attend class you should notify me in advance.
You should find someone in class to exchange e-mail/phone numbers with who can take
notes for you in the event of an absence. School policy permits the instructor to drop any
student who is absent more than 3 classes
TEST MAKE UPS: Test makes ups are only available with prior approval. It is the
student’s responsibility to schedule make-ups with the instructor. Also, there will be no
late entry once the tests have begun. Deviance from this policy will be permitted only in
the most rare and extreme cases and with appropriate documentation.
Withdrawal: If you feel that you cannot complete the course, it is your responsibility to
officially withdraw from the class. Failure to do so will result in an F for the course.
PLAGIARISM/ CHEATING: Plagiarism and cheating are not tolerated. After one
warning the instructor will assign a grade of “F” to the work in question. This syllabus
constitutes a general class warning for plagiarism. If the student continues to plagiarize
on a subsequent assignment[s], the student will earn an “F” for the course. Some
examples of cheating are talking to another student during a test; having notes or other
materials within view during a test; turning in prewritten essays etc. Plagiarism means
copying or paraphrasing an entire or partial paper from the Internet or some other
source without proper citation/ attribution. You have no need for outside sources in
your essays for this course. Your essays should be based on your reading and
understanding of material presented in the class.
FORMAT: Classes consist of lecture/discussion and small group assignments. Questions
are encouraged during lecture.
CLASS DISCIPLINE: I do expect polite adult behavior of you if you attend class.
Anyone having a private conversation or anyone whose cell phone or pager goes off
audibly during class will be required to leave.
Special Needs: Students with disabilities who may need accommodations in this class are
encouraged to notify the instructor and contact Disabilities Support Services 713-7186164 (voice) or 713-718-6332 (TTY) early in the semester so that reasonable
accommodations may be implemented as soon as possible.
NEW POLICY: Students who repeat a course for a third or more times may soon face
significant tuition/fee increases at HCC and other Texas public colleges and universities.
Please ask your instructor / counselor about opportunities for tutoring / other assistance
prior to considering course withdrawal or if you are not receiving passing grades.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS: Receiving a W in a course may affect the status of
your student Visa. Once a W is given for the course, it will not be changed to an F
because of the visa consideration. Please contact the International Student Office at 713718-8520 if you have any questions about your visa status and other transfer issues.
This syllabus and the information contained herein are tentative and may be
changed at the discretion of the instructor