Principles of Ethics (Phil 311)
Fall 2009
Instructor: Dr. Williams
Office: Daniel 208
Office Hours: MW 2-3; TH 2:30-3:30 or by appt.
Email: WilliamsNM@wofford.edu
Class Time and Location: TR 1:00-2:20/Daniel 218
Office Phone: 597-4907
Course Description
In this course we will examine the ethical theories that have shaped Western thought. In
particular, we will learn about some of the philosophical debates regarding moral
absolutism, cultural relativism, utilitarianism, deontology, virtue ethics as well as social
contract theory and feminist ethics. Part of the course is devoted to a critical analysis of
contemporary moral problems including but not limited to abortion, animal rights, and
euthanasia.
Required Text/Readings
●Exploring Ethics, by Steven M. Cahn, Oxford University Press, 2009.
●Handouts
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the semester, students will be able to:
●recognize and apply basic patterns of logical reasoning within ethical contexts;
●identify certain ethical theories as well as selected arguments for and against those theories;
●effectively communicate, in both oral and written form, specific moral arguments.
Methods of Evaluation
►In-class exams: There are two exams scheduled for the class.
►Argumentative Essay: this will be a 7-10 page paper. Although the main objective is to
demonstrate a clear understanding of ethical theory, students are permitted to choose between two
strategies: (1) write a paper critiquing one or more ethical theories or (2) write a paper applying
ethical theory to a bona fide moral dilemma or current case study.
There are three stages to this project. First, you will choose a topic that you find interesting.
Second, you will turn in a one-page outline where you clearly state your position (central thesis),
supporting reasons, objections to your supporting reasons and your responses to those objections.
Third, you will present your outline to the class. These brief presentations will utilize your oral
presentation skills and provide you with critical feedback from classmates. Outlines and
presentations are not graded; however, they must be approved by me before you are eligible to
turn in your paper.
►Reading presentations: At the start of every class meeting, I will select two students to give
presentations on the assigned reading material. Because I will choose at random, it is imperative
that everyone come to class prepared to give a presentation if called upon. In your presentations,
you must: (1) identify the thesis of the article; (2) summarize the main points; and (3) specify one
point that made you think and explain your thoughts on it. All presentations need to be typed,
double-spaced, 12 pt. font with standard margins. They should range from 300-500 words. You
may not read your presentations. They will be graded on clarity, coverage, and analysis.
1
Principles of Ethics
Distribution of Graded Work
►Two in-class exams = 1st @ 25% and 2nd @ 30%
►Argumentative essay = 30%
►Reading presentations = 15%
Grading Scale* (percentage): A =100-94; A- = 93-90; B+ = 89-87; B =86-84; B- =83-80; C+ =
79-77; C =76-74; C- =73-70; D =69-60; F =below 60
*Grades in this course are based on academic achievement and competence.
Missed Work
If you know in advance that you will not be attending class when an exam is scheduled, you must
see me as soon as possible so that we can make necessary arrangements. If I don’t hear from you
by the next class period you will have forfeited the grade.
Attendance
Attendance is required in this class. You are allowed two absences with no grade reduction,
thereafter one point off your final grade for every unexcused absence. I will record attendance at
every class meeting. You are required to arrive at class on time and remain for the entire period in
order to be counted as present.
Honor Code
Academic dishonesty will be handed in accordance to Wofford’s honor code, which can be found
at http://www.wofford.edu/studentlife/honor_code.pdf
Disability
If you have a disability that requires my attention please let me know as soon as possible so that I
may accommodate you.
Reading schedule (subject to change)
“Chapters” refer to the Cahn text.
Week 1 – Sept. 8-10
T- Introduction; Video: “What is Right?”
TH- Plato, Republic (selections) handout
Week 2 – Sept. 15-17 Absolutism and Relativism
T- Plato, Crito
TH-Benedict, “Defense of Ethical Relativism” and W.T. Stace “Ethical Relativism” (E-Reserve)
Week 3 – Sept. 22-24
T- Chapters 3, 4, 5
TH- Chapters 6, 7, 9
Week 4 – Sept. 29-Oct. 1 Utilitarianism and Deontology
T- Chapter 12, 13, 8
TH- Chapters 10, 11 and Feldman’s, “Kant’s Moral Theory: Exposition and Critique” (EReserve)
Week 5 – Oct. 6-8 Virtue Ethics
T- Exam #1
TH- Chapters 14, 15
2
Principles of Ethics
Week 6 – Oct. 13-15 Social Contract Theory
T- Louden’s “On Some Vices of Virtue Ethics” (E-Reserve) and Chapter 17
TH- Chapters 18, 19
Week 7 – Oct. 20-22 Moral Problems
T- Chapter 20 and “Feminist Ethics” Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/feminism-ethics/
TH- Chapters 21 and 22 (Abortion)
Week 8– Oct. 27-29
T- Chapter 23
TH- Chapters 28, 29 (Terrorism)
F-Fall Break
Week 9 – Nov. 3-5
T- Chapters 30, 31 (Pornography)
TH- Chapters 34, 35 (Animal Rights)
Week 10 – Nov. 10-12
T- Handout: Singer: “All Animals are Equal” (Video)
TH- Handout: Feminist ethics and the animal question (Video: Flesh)
Week 11 – Nov. 17-19
T- Chapters 32, 33 (Affirmative Action) Paper outline due
TH- Chapters 24, 25 (Euthanasia)
Week 12 – Nov. 24-26
T- Exam #2
TH- Thanksgiving Break
Week 13 – Dec. 1-3
Student presentations
Week 14 – Dec. 8-10
Student presentations
Final exam: Argumentative Essay
3
Principles of Ethics