Philosophy 2131.11 - Ethics
Office Hours: Thu 2:30-4, Fri 10:30-11:30 and by appointment
Phone: 202-994-6911
Email: jbb@gwu.edu
Office: 523 Phillips Hall
Spring 2014
3.0 Credits
Professor Jeffrey Brand
Department of Philosophy
Classroom: 2020 K St, rm. 26
This syllabus is subject to change at my discretion, with notice provided via email. Check your
email daily. Email is also the best way to contact me.
Course requirements and grading
▪ Two papers on assigned topics, each > 2000 words (25% each)
▪ Midterm examination (15%)
▪ Final examination (25%)
▪ Class participation (10%)
▪ Late work is penalized
Attendance and Participation
Active participation in class discussions is very important in philosophy. You must earn points
for class participation. You will earn no more than a few points unless you participate
meaningfully in virtually every class. If you never participate, or you participate sporadically,
then you’ll earn no points, even if you attend every class. That’s ten points you could lose. For
example, if you earn 87% on all written assignments, but participate infrequently, then you’ll
only receive a C+ (77%) in the class.
Goals and Learning Outcomes
At the end of this course students should be able to:
1. Recall, articulate, and discuss some basic questions of philosophical ethics;
2. Interpret basic texts in philosophical ethics and summarize the arguments presented;
3. Compare and contrast philosophical positions;
4. Evaluate and criticize philosophical arguments;
5. Construct simple arguments for positions in philosophical ethics.
Readings
Read each text prior to the assigned date for discussion and bring a copy of the text(s), paper or
electronic, with you to class. On some dates we’ll discuss more than one text. For example, on
1/16 we’ll discuss two selections: one by Epicurus, one by Kamm (Nagel is optional).
Materials
Readings designated (Bb) are posted on Blackboard, http://blackboard.gwu.edu/, as are many of
the materials projected on the screen during class. All other readings are in books by Russ
Shafer-Landau: The Fundamentals of Ethics (FE) and The Ethical Life (EL) both second editions
published by Oxford University Press in 2011. Both are available for purchase in the bookstore.
FE is also available for purchase as an e-book:
http://www.oup.com/us/catalog/he/subject/Philosophy/Ethics/IntroductiontoEthics/?view=usa&ci=9780199773558
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Academic Integrity
All examinations, papers, and other graded work products and assignments are to be completed
in conformance with The George Washington University Code of Academic Integrity. It states,
in part, “Academic dishonesty is defined as cheating of any kind, including misrepresenting
one’s own work, taking credit for the work of others without crediting them and without
appropriate authorization, and the fabrication of information.” For the remainder of the code,
see: http://www.gwu.edu/~ntegrity/code.html
Support for Students Outside the Classroom
Disability Support Services (DSS)
Any student who may need an accommodation based on the potential impact of a disability
should contact the DSS office at 202-994-8250 in the Marvin Center, Suite 242, to establish
eligibility and to coordinate reasonable accommodations. For additional information please
refer to: http://gwired.gwu.edu/dss/
University Counseling Center (UCC)
The UCC offers 24/7 assistance and referral to address students’ personal, social, career, and
study skills problems at 202-994-5300. Services for students include:
▪ crisis and emergency mental health consultations
▪ confidential assessment, counseling services (individual and small group), and referrals
http://gwired.gwu.edu/counsel/CounselingServices/AcademicSupportServices
Security
In the cases of an emergency, if at all possible, the class should shelter in place. If the building
in which the class is held is affected, follow the evacuation procedures for the building. After
evacuation, seek shelter at a predetermined rendezvous location.
Schedule
1/14
1/16
Introducing philosophical ethics
Read “Introduction” (FE) over the course of the next week
Value Theory: What Matters?
Epicurus, “Letter to Menoeceus” (EL)
Frances Myrna Kamm, “Why is Death Bad?” (Bb)
Optional: Thomas Nagel, “Death” (Bb)
1/21
“Hedonism: Its Powerful Appeal” (FE)
J.S. Mill, “Hedonism” (EL)
1/23
“Is Happiness All That Matters?” (FE)
Robert Nozick, “The Experience Machine” (EL)
First paper topics posted on Blackboard
1/28
“Getting What You Want” (FE)
“Problems for the Desire Theory” (FE)
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1/30
Normative Ethics: What is Right?
“Consequentialism: Its Nature and Attractions” (FE)
J.J.C. Smart, “Extreme and Restricted Utilitarianism” (EL)
Deadline to post optional draft by 11:59pm for written feedback
2/4
“Consequentialism: Its Difficulties” (FE)
2/6
“The Kantian Perspective: Fairness and Justice” (FE)
Immanuel Kant, “The Good Will and the Categorical Imperative” (EL)
2/11
“The Kantian Perspective: Autonomy and Respect” (FE)
2/12
Post final draft of first paper by 11:59pm
2/13
Thomas Hobbes, Leviathan (EL)
“The Social Contract Tradition: Problems and Prospects” (FE)
Optional: “The Social Contract Tradition: The Theory and Its Attractions” (FE)
2/18
“Ethical Pluralism and Absolute Moral Rules” (FE)
2/19
Midterm study guide posted
2/20
“Virtue Ethics” (FE)
Philippa Foot, Natural Goodness (EL)
2/25
Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics (EL)
2/27
“Ethical Pluralism: Prima Facie Duties and Ethical Particularism” (FE)
W.D. Ross, “What Makes Right Acts Right?” (EL)
3/4
Review session for midterm
3/6
Midterm held in class
Spring Recess
3/18
Judith Jarvis Thomson, “The Trolley Problem” (Bb)
3/20
Metaethics: Are There Moral Facts?
“Ten Arguments Against Moral Objectivity,” just arguments 1-8 (FE pp. 320-31)
3/25
“Ten Arguments Against Moral Objectivity,” argument 9 (FE pp. 332-34)
David Hume, “Moral Distinctions Not Derived from Reason” (EL)
J. L. Mackie, “The Subjectivity of Values” (EL)
3/27
David O. Brink, “The Argument from Queerness” (Bb)
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4/1
“Ten Arguments Against Moral Objectivity,” argument 10 (FE pp. 334-37)
Gilbert Harman, “Ethics and Observation” (Bb)
4/3
Mary Midgley, “Trying Out One’s New Sword” (Bb)
4/2
Second paper topics posted
4/8
Moral Problems
Peter Singer, “Unsanctifying Human Life” (Bb)
4/10
Judith Jarvis Thomson, “A Defense of Abortion” (EL)
Deadline to post optional draft by 11:59pm for written feedback
4/15
Donald Marquis, “Why Abortion is Immoral” (EL)
Final exam study guide posted
4/17
Fritz Alhoff, “Should We Torture in Ticking Time-Bomb Cases?” (Bb)
4/21
Post final draft of second paper by 11:59pm
4/22
John Corvino, “Why Shouldn’t Tommy and Jimmy Have Sex?: A Defense of
Homosexuality” (EL)
4/24
Review session for final exam
Final exam: date and time to be announced by Office of the Registrar
In accordance with University policy, the final exam will be given during the final exam
period (May 5-13) and not during the last week of the semester.
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