SDSU PHIL 101
Introduction to Philosophy: Ethics
Steven Schlesinger
Phone: 594-4678
E-mail sschlesi@mail.sdsu.edu
Fall 2010
Office: AL 436
Office Hours: MWF- 8:15-8:45/ 11:00-11:30
TTH- 8:30-9:00/ 12:30-1:30
Course Objectives:
This course will focus on traditional philosophical questions contained within
works of great Literature. Questions such as the existence and nature of God, about
human nature, about the meaning of life, about our social existence and about free
will and determinism, will be discussed. In addition, this course will be a critical
examination of “Ethics” from a religion and non-religion perspective. How this
affects Social and Political Philosophy will then be considered. Context is for both
“Western” and non-“Western” cultures.
Student Learning Outcomes:
Gain an appreciation for some classic and contemporary philosophical texts. Gain a
better understanding of one’s own philosophical or pre-philosophical views. See
clearly the connection between philosophical thought and life’s questions. Analyze
some controversial contemporary issues in the debate between religion and science,
and discuss the prospects for settling those issues. Develop the ability to reflect
critically, independently, and effectively on the basic questions of human life. Learn
how to evaluate arguments and theories in a variety of philosophical and historical
contexts. Learn to critically discuss arguments and theories effectively. Learn to
construct arguments for a variety of philosophical positions. Gain practice thinking
and writing in a clear, logically rigorous fashion.
Required Texts:
1. Dostoyevsky, The Grand Inquisitor, Notes from the Underground
2. Bellamy, Looking Backward
3. Somerville and Santoni, Readings in Social and Political Philosophy
4. Mill, Utilitarianism
5. Huxley, Brave New World
6. Mill handout and Marcuse handout - available at copy center in Bookstore
Due Dates for Papers:
1) Mar 22
2) Apr 20
3) May 4
Assignment
Lecture Topic
Read Required Text(s)
1&2
Freedom & Happiness:
#1 and #5
Are they Compatible?
3
Looking Out for No.1
#3: Hobbs, pp. 141-148
PAPER DUE: TOPIC: Which is more important? Happiness or Freedom?
NOTE: This paper counts 30% of the grade for the course.
Assignment
4
5 &6
7 &8
9 & 10
11
Lecture Topic
Socrates Dissatisfied or a
Pig Satisfied?
The Wage of Ignorance is
Slavery? (so get a good
education)
Mill and Marx: The Twin
Foundations of the
Modern World
Karl Marx Decides to
Change the World
V.I. Lenin Really Does
Change the World
Read Required Text(s)
#4
#3 Mill, pp. 302-341
#3, Marx, “The Communist
Manifesto” pp.342-356
#3, Engels, “Socialism:
Utopian and Scientific,”
pp. 362-372
#2, #3: Lenin, pp. 409-423
PAPER DUE: TOPIC: Discuss the idea of democracy for Mill, Marx, Lenin and
you.
NOTE: This paper counts 40% of the Grade for the course.
Assignment
13 & 14
Lecture Topic
Herbert Marcuse
15
Conclusion to Ethics
Read Required Text(s)
#6, Marcuse handout
FINAL PAPER: TOPIC: “What I Have Learned From This Class.”
NOTE: This paper counts 30% of the course grade.
This course consists solely of PAPERS – NO EXAMS!!
Papers may be rewritten as many times as you like for a higher grade.
Original drafts must be included with revisions. The new grade will simply
replace the old one.
Due date for papers are noted on page 1 of the syllabus.
Your immediate goal on these papers is to show, first, that you understand the
readings and lectures – do this thoroughly and you get a “B”. The, make some
intelligent comments on the issues discussed for an “A”.
The graders and I are available for discussion about any of your concerns. Please
note my office hours and room number on page 1 of the syllabus.
A NOTE ON COLLABORATION AMONG STUDENTS ON PAPERS
STRICTLY PROHIBITED. You must do your own work. Almost every semester
students fail because of gross similarities in their papers (plagiarism). Discuss
materials with/get notes from me. Developing intellectual integrity of your own is
of supreme importance. Turn in original drafts with rewrites, and highlight changes.
No tape recordings allowed: no use of pagers or cell phones during class.
ALWAYS KEEP A COPY OF YOUR PAPER!
Deadlines for Next – to – Last Drafts
Paper #1
Paper #2
Paper #3
- Nov 16
- Nov 24
- Dec 3
Note: Any students with special needs due to a documented medical condition
should avail themselves of the resource of the Disabled Students Services office,
SS 1661 (619-594-6473). Students who have such concerns that might prevent
them from otherwise doing well in this course should discuss this with the
instructor so that proper arrangements may be made to accommodate their
conditions.