KANT AND KANTIANS ON THE MORAL LAW:
FALL 2012
DRAFT SYLLABUS
(subject to revision)
INSTRUCTOR: MICAH LOTT micahelias@gmail.com
Office hours: Wed 1:30-3pm, Thurs 12-1pm, and by appointment
Course Time: Tue/Thurs: 3pm.
Location: Devlin 117
COURSE DESCRIPTION AND GOALS
In this class, we will examine Kant's account of the categorical imperative, and his attempt to show
that it is the supreme principle of all morality. We will read Kant's Groundwork of the Metaphysics
of Morals and Critique of Practical Reason. Alongside these primary texts, we will also examine
different interpretations of the categorical imperative by contemporary philosophers, including
Christine Korsgaard and Allen Wood. Our goal is to understand Kant's account of the moral law, as
well as the prospects and problems for different versions of Kantian moral philosophy. This is a
discussion-based, seminar-style course. Class time will be focused on careful analysis of the texts and
the arguments presented.
TEXTS
The following texts are required and available in the BC bookstore. Please purchase the
translations/editions available in the bookstore. Shorter readings are on the Blackboard website.
- KANT Practical Philosophy
- KORSGAARD Sources of Normativity
- WOOD Kantian Ethics
- DARWALL The Second Person Standpoint
- ENGSTROM The Form of Practical Knowledge
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
I) ATTENDANCE AND PARTICIPATION. If you choose to take this class, it is mandatory to attend the
seminar and participate actively. I will often ask you for questions/comments on the readings at the
beginning of class.
II) ASSIGNMENTS:
- Presentation: Each member of the seminar will be required to give at least one
presentation on the day’s reading. Worth 10% of your final grade.
- First paper (4-6 pages). Due XX worth 30% of your final grade.
- Second paper (10 pages). Due XX worth 60% of your final grade.
1
GRADING
You will receive both letter and numerical grades for each assignment. The numerical grades will be
used to calculate your final grade. Numerical and letter grades correspond as follows:
A 10.0-9.5
A/A- 9.4
A- 9.3-9.1
A-/B+ 9.0
B+ 8.9-8.8
B+/B 8.7
B 8.6-8.5
B- 8.3-8.0
C+ 7.9-7.7
C 7.6-7.3
C- 7.3-7.0
D 6.9-6.0
F 5.9 and below
Late papers will be deducted .5 for each day after the deadline they are received. You are allowed 1,
no questions ask, no penalty, 2-day extension on one of the papers. (NB: This cannot be “split” into
two, 1-day extensions). I suggest you save this till absolutely necessary. No other extensions are
allowed, outside of tragedy.
PLAGIARISM
Plagiarism is forbidden. Plagiarism undermines the enterprise of learning. It is dishonest. It is
disrespectful to your fellow students, to your instructor, and to yourself. Do not plagiarize. For
penalties and guidelines, please see the BC website.
ELECTRONICS
All electronic devices should be switched to silent mode before coming to class. Because laptops,
tablets, and smart phones tend to be a distraction and an impediment to discussion, their use is
strictly prohibited. Bring your text, your mind, and a pencil and paper!
SPECIAL CONCERNS
If you have any questions or concerns – including any concerns related to a disability or special need
– please feel free to speak with me or email me. I am happy to make accommodations. I want all of
you to be able to learn in a safe, comfortable environment. If you require any accommodation, speak
to me at the beginning of the term. Do not wait till assignments are due to bring this to my attention.
If you are an athlete who needs to miss class in order to play in games, you must give me your game
schedule at the beginning of the term. Based on the number of classes you will miss, we can then
decide if this class is a good option for you. As always at Boston College, athletic practices are not an
acceptable reason for missing class.
2
SCHEDULE OF MEETINGS
NB:
THE READING IS TO BE COMPLETED BEFORE CLASS ON THE DAY THE ASSIGNMENT IS LISTED.
PART I: THE GROUNDWORK OF THE METAPHYSICS OF MORALS
1
(9/4)
Introduction
The central aim of Kant’s moral philosophy.
Hume’s Enquiry Concerning Morals Sec I as
background.
2
(9/6)
Groudwork: Preface and I
3
(9/11)
Groundwork I cont. and GW
II
4
(9/13)
Groundwork II cont.
5
(9/18)
Groundwork II cont.
6
(9/20)
Groundwork III
PART II: ALLEN WOOD AND CHRISTINE KORSGAARD
7
(9/25)
Wood –
Kantian Ethics
Chapter 4: The Moral Law
8
(9/27)
Wood – Kantian
Chapter 5: Humanity
9
(10/2)
Korsgaard – Sources Lecture 3
10
(10/4)
Korsgaard – Sources Lecture 4
11
(10/9)
Korsgaard – Sources Responses,
esp. 5 & 7
Ethics
12
Korsgaard – Sources Reply
(10/11)
3
PART III: THE CRITIQUE OF PRACTICAL REASON
13
Critique of Practical Reason
(10/16)
14
Critique of Practical Reason
(10/18)
15
Critique of Practical Reason
(10/23)
16
Critique of Practical Reason
(10/25)
17
Critique of Practical Reason
(10/30)
PART IV: STEPHEN DARWALL: THE SECOND PERSON STANDPOINT
18
(11/1)
Darwall – Second Person
Chapters 1 & 2: “Main Ideas I
& II”
19
(11/6)
Darwall – Second Person
Chapter 9 (“Morality and
Autonomy in Kant”
Wood – Kantian Ethics Chapter
7 (“Autonomy”)
20
(11/8)
Darwall –
Chapter 10
Second
Person
21
Darwall – Second
(11/13) Chapter 10 continued
Person
22
Darwall – Second Person Chapter
(11/15) 12
(“Foundation
for
Contractualism”)
4
PART IV: STEPHEN ENGSTROM: THE FORM OF PRACTICAL KNOWLEDGE
23
Stephen Engstrom: Form of
(11/20) Practical Knowledge Chapter IV
24
Stephen Engstrom: Form of
(11/27) Practical Knowledge Chapter V
25
Stephen Engstrom: Form of
(11/29) Practical Knowledge Chapter VI
26
(12/4)
Stephen Engstrom: Form of
Practical Knowledge Chapter VII
27
(12/6)
Stephen Engstrom: Form of
Practical Knowledge cont.
5