Ethical Choice

Philosophy 200

Course Description: What does it mean to act ethically? Why should we choose to do so? How do we go about justifying our actions? This course will provide an introduction to ethics through the study of normative ethical theories such as Utilitarianism, Kant’s ethics, and virtue ethics, and the application of these theories to capital punishment, sexual morality, and other moral issues. The objective of this course is for the students to develop a familiarity with moral principles and issues as well as an appreciation of their complexity. In the process, the students will improve their reasoning skills by critically analyzing various moral claims and arguing in support of their own views.

Texts: 1. Mappes and Zembaty, eds., Social Ethics: Morality and Social Policy. 5th Edition.

New York: McGraw-Hill, 1997.

2. Selected Readings

Grading: Attendance and

Class Participation 10%

Short Daily Quizzes 10%

Group Assignments 20%

Exams and Take-Home Quiz 60%

A 93-100

A- 90-92

B+ 87-89

B 83-86

B- 80-82

C+ 77-79

C 73-76

C- 70-72

D+ 67-69

D 60-66

F 0-60

1. Exams and Take-Home Quiz: There will be a take-home quiz and three in class exams. These will include an essay question and several short-answer questions. Exams will be taken in the classroom, and in accordance with the guidelines of the honor code. I will only allow each student to make up only one exam: You must have a valid excuse and make it up before the next session of class. Contact me as early as possible to make arrangements.

2. Group Assignments: There will be several group assignments, including presentations and the discussion of various ethical issues. Time will be provided for this during class, but these assignments will require additional time outside of class.

3. Class Participation and Daily Quizzes: Most of our class time will be spent in discussion, and each student’s participation is encouraged and expected. Informed participation requires a careful reading of assigned texts ahead of class. In order to encourage this, a short quiz on the reading assignment will be given at the beginning of every class. No make-ups will be allowed.

4. Attendance: Prompt and consistent attendance is expected and is in your best interest because poor attendance and tardies will inevitably affect your other grades. Also, I weigh attendance heavily when giving final grades in borderline cases. Excessive absences will reduce your grade: If you have more than 3 absences, your final grade will be reduced one letter grade. You must have less than 6 absences to pass the class. Tardies and leaving early will be counted toward your absences. If you miss a class, I recommend that you make arrangements to copy the notes of another student.