Philosophy 224
Office: Barry 215
Office Hours: MWF 12-2 pm
TR 1-2 pm
Dr. Max Maloney
x3368/606-6792
pmaloney@cbu.edu
facstaff.cbu.edu/pmaloney
Theories of Human Nature
Course Description
This course is designed as an introduction to the philosophical examination of human nature.
Ranging over religious, philosophical and psychological belief systems, we will apply the tools
of philosophical analysis to determine what each system has to tell us about ourselves. In
addition, we will consider the implications of these systems for broader questions concerning our
possibilities and responsibilities.
Course Objectives
All courses that 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:
Understand and be able to articulate the philosophical issues that arise in conjunction
with the consideration of the concept of the person.
Become familiar with the history of the concept and its evaluation.
Understand the moral and political significance of the concept of the person.
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 (with one notable exception) by your performance in
the following areas.
60% Content Exams
20% Discussion Papers
10% Reading Quizzes
10% Participation
The only other modifier potentially affecting your grade is your attendance. For each absence
after the second, 5 percentage points will be deducted from your final percentage.
Content Exams
4 times this semester I will ask you to define, relate and explain key concepts and issues
from our readings and discussions. Each test will include the same types of questions:
definitions, short answer questions, and an essay. The dates for the exams are specified
below in the syllabus.
Discussion Papers
Twice this semester, I will ask you to consider the relevance of one or more of the
accounts of the person that we will consider for a contemporary moral issue.
Reading Quizzes
In order to encourage you to keep up with the reading, we will begin many classes with a
short quiz. Reading the assignment should be sufficient to respond successfully. You
must be present at the beginning of class to take the quiz.
Participation
In addition to attending class regularly, I will expect you to be prepared and willing to
join in our discussion of course topics.
Please note: There will be no late assignments. 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
Stevenson, The Study of Human Nature (S), Oxford UP, 0195127153
Gray, Straw Dogs (SD), Granta, 2002, 0374270937
Online Handouts, websites, and blogs.
Reading Assignments
1/8
1/10
1/15
1/17
1/22
1/24
1/29
1/31
2/5
2/7
2/12
2/14
2/19
2/21
2/26
2/28
3/4-8
3/12
3/14
Introduction
Video: “The Measure of a Man”
Introduction to Moral Theory
The Hebrew Bible
Hinduism
Christianity
Islam
Straw Dogs Pt. 1
Content Exam #1
Descartes
Hume
Kant
Marx
First Discussion Paper Due
No Class Today
Straw Dogs Pt. 2
Content Exam #2
Spring Break
Moral Theories
Freud
Timmons: 1-6, 27-33 (website)
S: 1-8
S: 9-21
S: 56-68
S: 69-83
SD: 3-83
S: 84-97
S: 98-108
S: 117-127
S: 139-152
SD: 87-116
Timmons: 6-20 (website)
S: 169-184
3/19
3/21
3/26
3/28-4/1
4/2
4/4
4/9
4/11
4/16
4/18
4/23
4/25
5/1-7
Sartre
Straw Dogs Pt. 3
Content Exam #3
Easter Break
Women
Race
Straw Dogs Pt. 4
Sociobiology
Limits of the Biological
Straw Dogs Pt. 5
Movie: Blade Runner
(cont.)
S: 185-206
SD: 119-151
S: 288-302
S: 257-269
SD: 155-189
S: 270-287
S: 303-315
SD: 193-199
Final Exam Week: Content Exam #4 on the day of the final.
Please Note: I reserve the right to alter the terms of this syllabus whenever I deem it necessary.