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PHIL 330 F
Ethics
June Session 14-55
Monday, June 1– July 25, 2015
Course Description
Examination of various moral philosophers’ attempts to prescribe ethical norms applicable to all
humanity.
Prerequisite: Junior standing
Proctored Exams: -- Mid-Term and Final
Textbooks
Mill, John. Utilitarianism, 2nd edition. Hackett Publishing, 2002. ISBN: 978-0-87220-605-2
Kant, Immanuel. Groundwork of the Metaphysic of Morals, translated by H.J. Patton, Harpercollins
College Division, 2009 ISBN: 978-0-06-176631-2
Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics, translated by Terence Irwin. Hackett Publishing, 1999
ISBN: 978-0-87220-464-5
Textbooks for the course may be ordered from MBS Direct. You can order
 online at http://direct.mbsbooks.com/columbia.htm (be sure to select Online Education
rather than your home campus before selecting your class)
 by phone at 800-325-3252
For additional information about the bookstore, visit http://www.mbsbooks.com.
Course Overview
This course is an examination of the three fundamental approaches to theoretical ethics as presented
by their three most famous advocates: Aristotle, Immanuel Kant and John Stuart Mill.
Technology Requirements
Participation in this course will require the basic technology for all online classes at Columbia
College:
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A computer with reliable Internet access,
a web browser,
Acrobat Reader,
Microsoft Office or another word processor such as Open Office.
You can find more details about standard technical requirements for our courses on our site.
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Course Objectives

To understand three basic approaches to philosophical ethics, i.e., consequentialism, deontology,
and virtue theory.
To evaluate theoretical approaches to ethics in order to formulate a personal approach to ethics
that is coherent and defensible
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Measurable Learning Outcomes

Read classic philosophical prose (specifically classical theoretical ethics) for critical
understanding.
Explain the three basic approaches to philosophical ethics, i.e., consequentialism, deontology,
and virtue ethics.
Formalize sophisticated philosophical arguments found in theoretical ethics.
Identify problems and weaknesses in the basic approaches to theoretical ethics.
Analyze and provide criticisms of sophisticated philosophical arguments found in theoretical
ethics.
Formally present possible solutions to problems found in theoretical ethics.
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Grading
Grading Scale
Grade Weights
GRADE
POINTS
PERCENT
ASSIGNMENT
POINTS
PERCENT
A
90-100
90-100
20
20
B
80-89
80-89
Discussion: Reflection Posts
(4)
C
70-79
70-79
30
30
D
60-69
60-69
Reading Comprehension
Questions (6)
F
0-59
0-59
Mid-Term Exam
25
25
Final Exam
25
25
Total
100
100
Schedule of Due Dates
WEEK
ASSIGNMENT
POINTS
DUE
1
Discussion: Reflection Post 1
5
Sunday
2
Mill: Reading Comprehension Question 1
5
Sunday
3
Mill: Reading Comprehension Question 2
5
Sunday
Kant: Reading Comprehension Question 1
5
Sunday
Discussion: Reflection Post 2
5
Sunday
Mid-Term Exam
25
Sunday
Kant: Reading Comprehension Question 2
5
Sunday
Aristotle: Reading Comprehension Question 1
5
Sunday
Discussion: Reflection Post 3
5
Sunday
7
Aristotle: Reading Comprehension Question 2
5
Sunday
8
Discussion: Reflection Post
5
Saturday
4
5
6
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Final Exam
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25
Saturday
Assignment Overview
Discussion: Reflection Posts: You will participate in a total of four discussions throughout the session.
Please see the Course Schedule section of this syllabus for the specific weeks and questions. In each
discussion you are asked to thoroughly answer the question posed, showing your familiarity with the
readings and course topics, as well as reply to at least one of your classmate’s’ original postings. In order
to receive full credit, your response posting must be reflective and attempt to engage your classmate in a
meaningful discussion. For more in-depth instructions and to view the grading rubric for this
assignment, please read the document “Guidelines for Reflection Post Assignment” located in the Week 1
Module of the Content area of the course.
Reading Comprehension Questions: You will complete a total of six reading comprehension
assignments. On Monday of Weeks 2-7, you will find your last name next to one of the questions on the
weekly Reading Guide located in the Content area of the course. The questions will be based on the
assigned readings from the works by Mill, Kant and Aristotle. While you will only submit and be graded
on your answer to your assigned question (which you will post on the Discussion board), you will want to
attempt to answer all of the other questions as well and read the posts from your fellow students, though
you need not respond to one another’s posts. You should compile answers to all of the questions on your
own as the course progresses in order to prepare for the final exam, as these questions will serve as the
pool from which I will construct the final exam. For more in-depth instructions for this assignment,
please read the document “Guidelines for Answering Reading Comprehension Questions” located in the
Week 2 Module of the Content area of the course.
All of your postings to the discussion board must be written formally. The formal rules of proper
English and grammar apply for these submissions, and points will be deducted for misspellings,
incomplete sentences, poor sentence structure, etc. Since our written words are our sole source of
communication in this course we must strive for clarity with everything we write. Please take the time to
edit your work and write with professionalism and academic sophistication. The way you present your
ideas will heavily influence the way your ideas are received not just in this class, but everywhere in the
real world. Learn to improve your writing through this course.
Mid-Term Exam: The Mid-Term Exam consists of five (5) questions drawn from the Reading Comprehension
Questions pool (Weeks 2-3). Each question is worth 5 points. The exam must be taken under the supervision of
a proctor. You will have from Tuesday until midnight Sunday of Week 4 to complete the exam. This is a closed
book exam. You are not allowed to reference any notes, books, flash drives, the Internet, or another person
while taking the exam. For in-depth instructions for preparing for the final exam, please read the
document “Guidelines for Studying for the Mid-Term and Final” located in the Week 2 Module of the
Content area of the course.
Final Exam: The Final Exam consists of five (5) questions drawn from the Reading Comprehension
Questions pool (Weeks 4-7). Each short essay question is worth 5 points and you will have 2 hours to
complete the exam. The exam must be taken under the supervision of a proctor. You will have from
Tuesday until midnight Saturday of Week 8 to complete the exam. This is a closed book exam. You are not
allowed to reference any notes, books, flash drives, the Internet, or another person while taking the exam.
For in-depth instructions for preparing for the final exam, please read the document “Guidelines for
Studying for the Mid-Term and Final” located in the Week 2 Module of the Content area of the course.
Course Schedule
Week 1 –Getting Started
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Readings: Please read the document “Introduction to Theoretical Ethics” and complete the
“Plagiarism Tutorial” located in the Week 1 Content area.
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Multimedia Learning: Please view the video lecture by Michael Sandel, “Justice: What is the Right
Thing to Do? Episode 1” Join in an optional discussion about this lecture on the Discussion Board.
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Discussion:
o
Reflection Post 1: For this discussion, please answer one of the questions listed below and respond
to a classmate’s post. Before you begin, be sure to read the “Guidelines for Reflection Post
Assignment” located in the Week 1 Content area. Your original answer and at least one response
posting are due by midnight Sunday.
o
1.
After reading the “Introduction to Theoretical Ethics” lecture, give one applied ethical
question that you think is very important. Please describe a very specific question, like the
kind of question an applied ethicist would study. Read the discussion board before you post
to ensure another student has not already posed the same question. Be creative! Give an
argument to show why you think this question has ethical importance.
2.
After watching the Michael Sandel video lecture in the Week 1 Content area, answer the
following question. Would you turn the trolley to kill the one person on the tracks to save the
five? Why or why not? Try to convince us that your action would be justified by giving
reasons for your views. Would you push the fat man? Why or why not?
3.
Do you believe that to live morally you are required to have a philosophical basis for your
beliefs about ethics? In other words, if someone acts in a manner we would describe as
morally right (like giving to charity), but has no beliefs or thoughts about what makes an
action right or wrong, would you think their action was truly “good”? Explain your views on
this topic and give an argument to support your position.
Personal Introductions: Please either fill out your personal profile or submit a note introducing
yourself.
Week 2 – Mill
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Readings: Mill, editor’s Introduction (pp. vii-viii) and pp. 6-19 of Chapter 2
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Multimedia Learning: Watch Charlie Rose interview the most famous living utilitarian philosopher,
Peter Singer, and hear about Singer’s argument for our obligations to end world poverty. Join in an
optional discussion about this interview on the Discussion Board.
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Mill Reading Comprehension Question 1: Answer the Reading Comprehension Question you are
assigned. Questions and assignments are posted in the Content area. Also located in the Content area
is the document “Guidelines to Answering Reading Comprehension Questions”. Please read this
document and post your assigned question and answer in the Discussions area by midnight Sunday.
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Supplementary Material: To help you prepare for the final, you will find a document titled
“Guidelines for Studying for the Final” in the Content area. Please read this document carefully and
begin preparing for your final now.
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Proctor Information: Please submit your proctor’s contact information in the Dropbox by midnight
Sunday.
Week 3 – Mill
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Readings: Mill, pp. 20-26 of Chapter 2 and Chapter 4
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Mill Reading Comprehension Question 2: Answer the Reading Comprehension Question you are
assigned. Questions and assignments are posted in the Content area. Please read this document and
post your assigned question and answer in the Discussions area by midnight Sunday.
Week 4 – Kant
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Readings: Kant, read pp. 13-16 (editor’s analysis of Kant’s Preface), pp. 55-60 (The Preface), pp. 17-
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18 (editor’s analysis of Chapter 1; stop at the section called “the good will and duty”) and pp. 61-64
(Chapter 1; again, stop at the beginning of the section “the good will and duty”)
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Multimedia Learning: Listen to the Radio Lab episode “Kiddie Morality” located in the Week 4
Content area of the course. Join in an optional discussion about this show on the Discussion Board.
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Lecture: Read “A Succinct Summary of Kant’s Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals” located in
the Week 4 Content module.
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Discussion: Reflection Post 2: For this discussion, please answer one of the questions listed below
and respond to a classmate’s post. Before you begin, be sure to read the “Guidelines for Reflection
Post Assignment” located in the Week 1 Content area. Your original answer and at least one response
posting are due by midnight Sunday.
1.
Mill believes that people will be willing to act in accordance with utilitarianism and be
satisfied with a moderate share of happiness. This is a claim about moral psychology. Listen
to the Radio Lab episode "Kiddie Morality" and tell us whether you agree with Mill’s claim.
Give justification for your opinion.
2.
Utilitarianism is a deceptively simple moral theory that has quite a bit of intuitive appeal. But
it also has its share of problems. How plausible do you find this account of the right making
feature of acts? Clearly and carefully explain your answer.
3.
What do you think Mill would say about legalizing marijuana? Be sure to justify your answer
by appealing to his theory of utilitarianism and all of its nuances. Do you agree? Why or why
not?
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Kant Reading Comprehension Question 1: Answer the Reading Comprehension Question you are
assigned. Questions and assignments are posted in the Content area. Please post the question and
your answer in the Discussions area by midnight Sunday.
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Mid-Term Exam: The Mid-Term Exam will be opened on Tuesday. Please complete it by midnight
Sunday. Remember that this exam must be taken under the supervision of your approved proctor.
Week 5 – Kant
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Readings: Kant, pp. 18-23 (editor’s analysis of Chapter 1) and pp. 64-73 (Chapter 1)
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Kant Reading Comprehension Question 2: Answer the Reading Comprehension Question you are
assigned. Questions and assignments are posted in the Content area. Please post the question and
your answer in the Discussions area by midnight Sunday.
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Supplementary Material: In the Content area you will find a document titled “Kant’s Example
Chart.” Please fill out this document as you read the text, as it will help you understand the material
better.
Week 6 – Aristotle
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Readings: In Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics, read pp. xiii & xv-xvii (Sections 4 & 5) in the
Introduction and Book I (you can omit Chapter 6. Chapters 10-12 are optional.) Also read pp. xvii-xix
(Section 6) in the Introduction and Book II (Chapters 5 & 8 are optional.)
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Multimedia Learning: Please view the video lecture by Michael Sandel, “Justice: What is the Right
Thing to Do? Episode 07” Join in an optional discussion about this lecture on the Discussion Board.
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Discussion: Reflection Post 3: For this discussion, please answer one of the questions listed below
and respond to a classmate’s post. Before you begin, be sure to read the “Guidelines for Reflection
Post Assignment” located in the Week 1 Content area. Your original answer and at least one response
posting are due by midnight Sunday.
1.
Kant's view is that stealing is wrong because we have duty to not to steal, regardless of the
consequences. Mill’s view is that stealing might be justifiable if the consequences are such that
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overall happiness is maximized for all those affected by the action. In your view, which (if either)
of these views is more plausible? Give justification for your views.
2.
Kant's view is that in order for a good action to have real moral worth it must be motivated by
duty. He does not think that duty must by the only motivator, but it must play some role in
motivating the action. Do you agree with this view? Why or why not?
3.
In his video lecture, Professor Sandel motivates us to think about Kant’s theory with this
hypothetical case in which your friend is hiding inside your home, and a person intent on killing
your friend came to your door and asks you where he was. What would Kant say you should do
in this case, and why would he say this? Do you agree or disagree with Kant? Give reasons for
your view.
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Aristotle Reading Comprehension Question 1: Answer the Reading Comprehension Question you
are assigned. Questions and assignments are posted in the Content area. Please post the question and
your answer in the Discussions area by midnight Sunday.
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Course Evaluations: Please evaluate the course. You will be able to submit your course evaluation
between Sunday of Week 5 and Thursday of Week 7. A link will be sent to your CougarMail that will
allow you to access the evaluation.
Week 7 – Aristotle
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Readings: In Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics, read pp. xx-xxi in the Introduction (Section 9) and
Chapters 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, and 8 in Book VII. Also in Book VIII, read Chapters 1-4, 6-8, & 12.
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Multimedia Learning: Please view the lecture by Barry Schwartz on “Our Loss of Wisdom” and
participate in an optional discussion about this lecture on the Discussion Board.
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Aristotle Reading Comprehension Question 2: Answer the Reading Comprehension Question you
are assigned. Questions and assignments are posted in the Content area. Please post the question and
your answer in the Discussions area by midnight Sunday.
Week 8 – Final Exam Week

Multimedia Learning: Listen to the All Things Considered show, “The Philosophy of Choosing
Between Bad Options” located in the Week 8 Content area of the course. Join in an optional
discussion about this lecture on the Discussion Board.
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Discussion: Reflection Post 4: For this discussion, please answer one of the questions listed below
and respond to a classmate’s post. Before you begin, be sure to read the “Guidelines for Reflection
Post Assignment” located in the Week 1 Content area. Your original answer and at least one response
posting are due by midnight Saturday.

1.
Aristotle believes that there are no broad ethical rules that apply in all situations. He would
argue that defining right or wrong behavior for any situation depends on the specifics of the
situation; thus, virtue theory is only a general outline for how we should behave. Kant and Mill
would disagree. Kant believes there are specific duties we should always comply with, and Mill
believes every action should maximize happiness for all affected. Which (if either) view do you
find more convincing? Do you think there are broad ethical rules that apply to every situation, or
do you think no such broad rules exist? Justify your views.
2.
Aristotle's view is that happiness living a life of virtue. He, unlike Mill, does not think happiness is
the same thing as pleasure. Do you agree? Why or why not?
3.
At this point you have studied the three approaches to moral theory. Which do you find most
convincing and why?
Final Exam: The Final Exam will be opened on Tuesday. Please complete it by midnight Saturday.
Remember that this exam must be taken under the supervision of your approved proctor.
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Course Policies
Student Conduct
All Columbia College students, whether enrolled in a land-based or online course, are responsible for
behaving in a manner consistent with Columbia College's Student Conduct Code and Acceptable Use
Policy. Students violating these policies will be referred to the office of Student Affairs and/or the
office of Academic Affairs for possible disciplinary action. The Student Code of Conduct and the
Computer Use Policy for students can be found in the Columbia College Student Handbook. The
Handbook is available online; you can also obtain a copy by calling the Student Affairs office (Campus
Life) at 573-875-7400. The teacher maintains the right to manage a positive learning environment,
and all students must adhere to the conventions of online etiquette.
Plagiarism
Your grade will be based in large part on the originality of your ideas and your written presentation
of these ideas. Presenting the words, ideas, or expression of another in any form as your own is
plagiarism. Students who fail to properly give credit for information contained in their written work
(papers, journals, exams, etc.) are violating the intellectual property rights of the original author. For
proper citation of the original authors, you should reference the appropriate publication manual for
your degree program or course (APA, MLA, etc.). Violations are taken seriously in higher education
and may result in a failing grade on the assignment, a grade of "F" for the course, or dismissal from
the College.
Collaboration conducted between students without prior permission from the instructor is
considered plagiarism and will be treated as such. Spouses and roommates taking the same course
should be particularly careful.
All required papers may be submitted for textual similarity review to Turnitin.com for the detection
of plagiarism. All submitted papers may be included in the Turnitin.com reference database for the
purpose of detecting plagiarism. This service is subject to the Terms and Conditions of Use posted on
the Turnitin.com site.
Note: In this course, any plagiarized or recycled work will receive no credit. You are required to complete
the Plagiarism Tutorial in the Content area of the course and be informed about what constitutes plagiarism.
Non-Discrimination
There will be no discrimination on the basis of sex, race, color, national origin, sexual orientation,
religion, ideology, political affiliation, veteran status, age, physical handicap, or marital status.
Disability Services
Students with documented disabilities who may need academic services for this course are required
to register with the Coordinator for Disability Services at (573) 875-7626. Until the student has been
cleared through the disability services office, accommodations do not have to be granted. If you are a
student who has a documented disability, it is important for you to read the entire syllabus before
enrolling in the course. The structure or the content of the course may make an accommodation not
feasible.
Online Participation
You are expected to read the assigned texts and participate in the discussions and other course
activities each week. Assignments should be posted by the due dates stated on the grading schedule
in your syllabus. If an emergency arises that prevents you from participating in class, please let your
instructor know as soon as possible.
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Attendance Policy
Attendance for a week will be counted as having submitted a course assignment for which points
have been earned during that week of the session or if the proctoring information has been
submitted or the plagiarism quiz taken if there is no other assignment due that week. A class week is
defined as the period of time between Monday and Sunday (except for Week 8, when the week and
the course will end on Saturday at midnight). The course and system deadlines are all based on the
Central Time Zone.
Cougar E-mail
All students are provided a CougarMail account when they enroll in classes at Columbia College. You
are responsible for monitoring e-mail from that account for important messages from the College and
from your instructor. You may forward your Cougar e-mail account to another account; however, the
College cannot be held responsible for breaches in security or service interruptions with other e-mail
providers.
Students should use e-mail for private messages to the instructor and other students. The class
discussions are for public messages so the class members can each see what others have to say about
any given topic and respond.
Late Assignment Policy
An online class requires regular participation and a commitment to your instructor and your
classmates to regularly engage in the reading, discussion and writing assignments. Although most of
the online communication for this course is asynchronous, you must be able to commit to the
schedule of work for the class for the next eight weeks. You must keep up with the schedule of
reading and writing to successfully complete the class.
Late submissions are not accepted.
Course Evaluation
You will have the opportunity to evaluate the course near the end of the session. Course evaluations
will open on Sunday of Week 5 and will remain open until Thursday of Week 7. A link will be sent to
your CougarMail that will allow you to access the evaluation. Be assured that the evaluations are
anonymous and that your instructor will not be able to see them until after final grades are
submitted.
Proctor Policy
Students taking courses that require proctored exams must submit their completed proctor request
forms to their instructors by the end of the second week of the session. Proctors located at Columbia
College campuses are automatically approved. The use of Proctor U services is also automatically
approved. The instructor of each course will consider any other choice of proctor for approval or
denial. Additional proctor choices the instructor will consider include: public librarians, high school
or college instructors, high school or college counseling services, commanding officers, education
service officers, and other proctoring services. Personal friends, family members, athletic coaches
and direct supervisors are not acceptable.
Additional Resources
Orientation for New Students
This course is offered online, using course management software provided by Desire2Learn and
Columbia College. The Student Manual provides details about taking an online course at Columbia
College. You may also want to visit the course demonstration to view a sample course before this one
opens.
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Online Tutoring
Smarthinking is a free online tutoring service available to all Columbia College students.
Smarthinking provides real-time online tutoring and homework help for Math, English, and Writing.
The Writing Center can be used for writing assistance in any course.
Smarthinking also provides access to live tutorials in writing and math, as well as a full range of study
resources, including writing manuals, sample problems, and study skills manuals. You can access the
service from wherever you have a connection to the Internet. I encourage you to take advantage of
this free service provided by the college.
Access Smarthinking through CougarTrack under Students->Academics->Academic Resources.
Technical Support
If you have problems accessing the course or posting your assignments, contact your instructor, the
Columbia College Helpdesk, or the D2L Helpdesk for assistance. Contact information is also available
within the online course environment.
CCHelpDesk@ccis.edu
helpdesk@desire2learn.com
800-231-2391 ex. 4357
877-325-7778
Grading Criteria
Reading Comprehension Questions
Grade
Criteria
5
Response is correct, exhibits careful reading of the text and demonstrates an in-depth
understanding of the topic. Response gives context for the answer by relating the question
to the entire section. Response includes a quote from the text, an example to illustrate the
point being made (when appropriate), and the student’s own justified opinion about the
ideas being expressed in the topic. Post is written using clear expression and excellent
grammar. Length is 2 full paragraphs (about 200 words).
4
Response is mostly correct, but lacks full insight. Post is written with reasonably clear
expression. Length is at least 1 full paragraph (about 100 words).
3
Response has one or more incorrect elements, but demonstrates familiarity with the
reading and some insight into the topic OR is shorter than 1 full paragraph.
2
Response is incorrect and demonstrates poor insight and lack of familiarity with the
reading.
1
Response demonstrates little to no familiarity with the reading OR is only 1 sentence long.
0
Post is plagiarized (you must use quotes AND citations to avoid plagiarizing) or late.
Reflection Posts
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Criteria
4
Original post demonstrates the student considered the question carefully and supported
his/her answer with numerous clear and convincing reasons. Post is written using clear
expression and excellent grammar, and demonstrates an in-depth and correct
understanding of the topic. Length is 1-2 solid paragraphs.
3
Original post demonstrates the student considered the question and supported his/her
answer with some reasons. Post is written with reasonably clear expression and
demonstrates some insight into the topic. Length is at least 1 solid paragraph.
2
Original post shows the student either failed to support his/her answer with some
reasons OR post contains excessive grammatical errors or problems with clarity OR post
is significantly less than 1 solid paragraph.
1
Original post shows the student failed to support his/her answer with some reasons AND
post contains excessive grammatical errors or problems with clarity OR post is only one
sentence long.
+1
Student responds at least once to another student’s posts in a clear and engaging manner.
(This point is added to the grade for your original post, making a perfect grade 5/5).
0
Post is plagiarized (you must use quotes AND citations to avoid plagiarizing) or late.