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PHIL 010 – Introduction to Ethics
MTWRF 10:45am – 12:45pm
Car Barn 303
Instructor: Gordon R. Shannon
Office Hours: After every class
Email: grs35@georgetown.edu
Course Description
In this course, we will be introduced to the three most prominent kinds of ethical theory: virtue theory,
deontology, and utilitarianism or consequentialism. We begin with an examination of virtue theory by
reading the Greek philosopher Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics. Next, we examine the deontological theory of
18th century German philosopher Immanuel Kant. Lastly, we examine the utilitarian or consequentialist
theory of 19th century English philosopher John Stuart Mill. Our goal throughout will be twofold: (1) to
understand the general characteristics of these philosophical theories as exemplars of their kind, and (2)
to apply that understanding to ethical dilemmas facing contemporary moral agents. To this end, each
class will be composed of an extensive period of discussion accompanied by some lecturing. Students will
be graded on the basis of participation and two 4-5 page papers.
Course Objectives
Through active participation in this course, you will:
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Gain an appreciation for and competence in the central topics of (Western/European) ethical
theory.
Develop the capacity to challenge some of the central tenets of contemporary moral and political
experience, including virtue, goodness, duty and obligation, decision-making, moral knowledge,
and justice.
Understand some of the relationships between morality and human nature.
Gain proficiency in reading difficult philosophical texts, in understanding the nuances of their
context, and in interpreting their arguments accurately and critically.
Learn how to write philosophy papers and, by extension, dialectical and argumentative essays.
Gain confidence expressing your views and speaking in front of others.
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Course Format
This course is dialectical in nature, which means learning will proceed primarily through conversation. I
expect every student to come to class having read the material for that day and prepared to discuss their
ideas with me and with their fellow classmates. Discussion will be directed by PowerPoint slides that I
will work through during the lecture period.
Texts
The following texts are required. They are all available in the Georgetown University bookstore.
Author: Aristotle
Title: Nicomachean Ethics
Publisher: University Of Chicago Press (April 23, 2012)
ISBN-13: 978-0226026756
Author: Kant
Title: Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals
Publisher: Cambridge University Press; 2 edition (May 21, 2012)
ISBN-13: 978-1107401068
Author: Mill
Title: Utilitarianism and On Liberty
Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell; 2 edition (March 7, 2003)
ISBN-13: 978-0631233527
Attendance
I expect students to attend all lectures. I will take attendance before each class, though will not penalize
you for lateness or absence – I take attendance in order to maintain a record of who attends when, for the
event that such information might be useful.
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Assignments
Each student will be graded on the quality of his or her written assignments and in-class participation.
All assignments must be completed in order to pass this course. A grading rubric will be available on
Blackboard to guide your writing.
First Essay
Second Essay
Participation
May 31
June 14
25 points
25 points
50 points
Extensions must be approved by me in advance. Grades may be appealed. If students wish to appeal,
they must wait at least 48 hours after receiving their grade and then must submit a half-page account
explaining why they believe their grade should be changed and what they believe their grade should be
changed to. Appeals may result in the grade being lowered, raised, or remaining unchanged. Appeals
may not be appealed.
Writing Assignments
There will be two writing assignments, each of 4-5 pages. Details of the assignments will be posted on
Blackboard. I will read outlines and discuss drafts, but will not read drafts. Essays are to be submitted via
Blackboard by 11:59pm on the day of submission. A late paper will lose 1/3 of a letter grade for every day
or part of a day that it is late. If I have to spend more time correcting your spelling and grammar than
evaluating your arguments, your paper will not pass. If you have writing difficulties, please make me
aware of this fact and refer to the Writing Center contact information at the end of the syllabus.
Consulting
I am available for discussion during office hours. If you are struggling academically, speak to me. I am
extremely understanding of and open to students who are struggling in any aspect of their academic
experience, and am happy to provide essay extensions for verifiable difficulties.
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Academic Integrity
Cheating of any form is wrong. It damages the cheater, those whose work is assessed alongside the
cheater’s, and the institution in which cheating takes place. Because a campus wide honor system is in
place, any case of suspected academic dishonesty will be reported to the Honor Council. Anyone found
in violation of the honor code for cheating in this class will receive a failing grade for the class.
The form of cheating to which there seems to be the greatest temptation in introductory philosophy
courses is plagiarism. For your information, the university’s Honor System brochure describes plagiarism
in the following way: “Plagiarism is the act of passing off as one’s own the ideas or writings of another”
(p. 4). It also emphasizes that “plagiarism can be said to have occurred without affirmative showing that
a student’s use of another’s work was intentional” (p. 4). This means that plagiarism can occur through
sloppiness as well as through malice: failure to cite one’s sources is plagiarism even if one just forgot to
cite it. This means that the burden of care is on you.
General guidelines to avoid plagiarism:
If it is a direct quotation, cite it.
If it is a paraphrase, cite it.
If it is an idea that you got from a particular source — whether a publication or a person — cite it.
The only items that are not cited are those that one thought up on one’s own or those that belong to
general knowledge, or that constitute general elements of the course content.
If you are in doubt about whether it should be cited, cite it.
Citation style:
Use the Chicago style. A guide can be found here:
http://www.chicagomanualofstyle.org/tools_citationguide.html
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Lecture Schedule
May 18
Aristotle – Ethical Theory
May 19
Aristotle – Human Action and the Good Life
May 20
Aristotle – Ethics and Nature
May 21
Aristotle – Virtue and Justice
May 22
Aristotle – Moral Choice
May 25
Aristotle – Practical Reasoning
May 26
Aristotle – Self-Restraint and Akrasia
May 27
Aristotle – Friendship and Community
May 28
Aristotle – Moral Education
May 29
Aristotle – Ethics and Politics
June 1
Kant – Ethical Theory
June 2
Kant – The Categorical Imperative
June 3
Kant – Duty
June 4
Kant – Humanity and Autonomy
June 5
Kant – The Kingdom of Ends
June 8
Mill – Ethical Theory
June 9
Mill - Utility
June 10
Mill - Liberty
June 11
Mill – Ethics and Economics
June 12
Mill – Ethics and Politics
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Academic Resources
Academic Resource Center
Arranges accommodations for students with disabilities and provides assistance with study skills.
Leavey Center, Suit 335 (third floor)
arc@georgetown.edu
http://ldss.georgetown.edu
Writing Center
Provides one-on-one assistance with academic writing skills. The website also lists many helpful links.
217A Lauinger Library
writingcenter@georgetown.edu
http://writingcenter.georgetown.edu
Scholarly Research and Academic Integrity
http://www.library.georgetown.edu/tutorials/academic-integrity/refresher-tipsheet
Health Resources
The Counseling and Psychiatric Service
Primary mental health resource assisting students in overcoming difficulties that interfere with the
attainment of their personal and educational goals.
Eastern side of Darnall Hall
(202) 687-6985
24-hour Doctor on call: (202) 444-PAGE
http://caps.georgetown.edu/
Health Education Services
Health professionals available to help students deal with a range of personal health topics, including
pregnancy, alcohol and drug use and abuse, adult children of alcoholics, nutrition, eating disorders,
sexual assault, relationship violence, stalking and general health promotion. All services are
individualized, confidential, and free for students.
207 Village C West
(202) 687-8949
http://healthed.georgetown.edu/
Student Health Center
Ground Floor, Darnall Hall
Appointments: (202) 687-2200; General information: (202) 687-4500
http://shc.georgetown.edu/