Philosophy 340
Office: Barry 215
Office Hours: MWF 11-2, TR 1-2
Dr. Max Maloney
x3368/606-6792
pmaloney@cbu.edu
Ethical Theory
Course Description
This course is designed to promote the serious consideration and critical analysis of classical
ethical theories. Normative ethical theories attempt to provide systematic answers to questions
like: "What makes an action right or wrong? " "What sort of life should I lead?" "What sorts of
goals should I pursue?" We will begin our discussion by determining what makes a theory an
ethical one and using that determination to evaluate the status of some common alternatives to
classical ethical theory. We will devote most of our time and energy to three important moral
theories (Kant's, Utilitarianism and Virtue Theory) before concluding with a brief survey of
some contemporary alternatives to these standard moral theoretical approaches.
Course Objectives
All courses which satisfy the moral values General Education Requirement will satisfy the
following objectives:
Students will demonstrate familiarity with the range of philosophical ethical theories.
Students will employ philosophical ethical theories in the analysis and evaluation of
morally significant issues.
Students will reflect on the relevance of philosophical ethical theories for their own
experience.
In addition to these, this course has as more specific objectives:
Students will become knowledgeable of the historical context and significance of
different philosophical concepts and figures.
Students will appreciate the seriousness, complexity and significance of the philosophical
and theoretical treatment of our moral experience.
Students will be encouraged and assisted in the development of skills in the analysis of
concepts, arguments and texts through written and verbal articulation.
Course Requirements
Your grade for this course will be calculated according to the following scale:
90%-100% = A
Highest level of accomplishment
80%-89% = B
Significant accomplishment
70%-79% = C
Average accomplishment
60%-69% = D
Insufficient accomplishment
Below 60% = F
Inadequate accomplishment
Your final percentage will be determined by your performance in the following areas.
30% Critical Writing Exercises
40% Term Paper
20% Secondary Literature Presentation
10% Attendance/Participation
Critical Writing Exercises
Three times throughout the semester I will ask you to respond to a question in the form of
a short, 2-4 page paper. The aim of these papers will be to clearly and concisely explain
the issue or position in question.
Term Paper
As a demonstration of your overall level of achievement with the course materials, you
will produce a 10-12 page presentation and defense of an argumentative thesis related to
course content. The form and direction of your efforts is yours to choose, though all such
choices must be approved by me.
Secondary Literature Presentation
Each student will be responsible for reading and presenting a summary and discussion of
an assigned article from the secondary literature on the figures we will discuss. I will pass
around a sign-up sheet specifying the articles in question and the dates on which the
presentations are due.
Please note: These exercises are mandatory and make up a considerable portion of your final
grade. There will be no late assignments accepted.
Attendance and Participation: In both its methods and its content, the study of philosophy
requires the active engagement of the student. Obviously, you cannot be engaged if you
are not in class, prepared to discuss the material. Minimally, it is your responsibility to be
present, having read and reflected upon the material under discussion. Attendance is
required and I expect you to be on time. If you are over five minutes late, you will be
counted tardy. Two instances of tardiness count as an absence. For every absence over
two, 5 points will be deducted from your final average.
Please Note: Academic dishonesty of any sort will not be tolerated. Any instance of cheating or
plagiarism that is detected will be handled according to the policies outlined in the student
handbook.
Texts
Annas, Intelligent Virtue (I), (Oxford U Press, 2011). 9780199228775
Kant, Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals (G), 2rd ed., trans. and ed. by Mary Gregor
(Cambridge University Press, 1997). 0521626951
Smart and Williams, Utilitarianism for and against (U), (Cambridge U. Press, 1973).
052109822x
O’Neill, Towards Justice and Virtue (T), (Cambridge U. Press, 1996). 0521485592
Readings available online
8/20
Introduction
8/22
Timmons on Ethical Theory
Overview
8/27
Virtue Theory
8/29
9/3
9/5
9/10
9/12
9/17
9/19
I: Chs. 1-2
I: Chs. 3-4
I: Chs. 5-6
I: Chs. 7-8
I: Chs. 9-10
Moral Sense Theory
Selections from Hume’s Enquiry
Kant's Ethics
9/24
9/26
10/1
10/3
10/8
10/10
10/14-18
Introduction
G: Preface
G: Section I
G: Section 2
G: Section 3
No Class Today
Fall Break
Utilitarianism
10/22
10/24
10/29
10/31
11/5
11/7
11/12
11/14
11/19
11/21
11/26
12/3
12/5
12/9-13
U: 3-30
U: 30-57
U: 62-74
U: 77-108
U: 108-150
Rule Utilitarianism
Some Contemporary Concerns
T: Ch. 1
T: Ch. 2
T: Ch. 3
T: Ch. 4
T: Ch. 5
T: Ch. 6
T: Ch. 7
Finals Week
Please Note: I reserve the right to alter the terms and schedule of readings outlined in this
document whenever and wherever I feel it necessary.