Course Syllabus
Course: Introduction to Ethics (PHIL 2103)
Spring 2009
When/Where: Mon./Wed. 3:30-4:50 in Old
Tues./Thurs. 3:30-4:50 in Old
Instructor: Oliver Balson
B.A.
-- Cross-Cultural
Services,
M.A.-- Philosophy, The
Queen’s
Ph.D.
in progress,
Office Info: 310 Old Main, #: (479)575-7553
Hours: Tuesday/Thursday, 2:00-3:30pm
Monday/Wednesday, by appointment
Email: obalson@uark.edu
Department Office: 318 Old Main, #: (479)575-3551
Required Text: Metaethics, Normative Ethics, and Applied Ethics
by James Fieser,
Course Webpage: http://comp.uark.edu/~obalson/
About the course:
What is morality? What does it mean to be moral or to
act morally? What (if anything) makes an action right or wrong?
Why
should we be moral? What
sorts of lives should we lead? What
obligations (if any) do we have toward others?
Who or what counts as an “other?”
How is a moral judgment different from a non-moral judgment? Are moral judgments relative or absolute,
subjective or objective? What role, if
any, does religion play in morality? If
God exists, is God beholden to the dictates of morality?
This course provides
you with an opportunity to think about and formulate answers to these kinds of
questions. In attempting to do so, we
will consider the works of arguably the most historically influential moral thinkers
of the Western intellectual tradition. including but
not limited to: Aristotle, Immanuel Kant, and J.S. Mill. We will also consider how these classical
thinkers, representing virtue ethics, deontology, and utilitarianism,
respectively, have influenced more recent ethical thought, both in practical
application to specific issues but also a distrust of the efficacy of
systematic “ethics” altogether.
While much of this course is “lecture” oriented, there will be significant opportunities for a more discussion-oriented format. This is encouraged, as much can be gained from entertaining various perspectives, questioning, and even challenging your own beliefs. Please remember to be respectful of the perspectives of other classmates, especially if/when those perspectives may run contrary to your much cherished beliefs. As Aristotle once said, “It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.”
Course Content and
Schedule:
The course will be divided into three sections, with a test given at the end of each section. A detailed reading schedule is available on the course website at: http://comp.uark.edu/~obalson/. Students should complete the readings and be prepared to discuss them on the day that they are assigned on the schedule. You will need to regularly refer to the webpage to keep up with (and download) readings. More generally, the following is a tentative timetable for the course:
“Metaethics” -- Weeks 1-5, Approx. Exam I date: Feb. 16,17
“Normative Ethics” -- Weeks 6–11, Approx. Exam II date: Apr. 1,2
“Applied Ethics” -- Weeks 12-15, Approx. Exam III date: Apr. 29,30(last day of regular classes)
Grading Scale and
Policies:
B = 89 – 80%
C = 79 – 70%
D = 69 – 60%
F = 59
- 0%
The points total for the class will be 300. Three exams will be given throughout the semester, worth 75, 125, and 75 points, respectively, for a total of 275.
In addition, 7 unannounced quizzes worth 5 pts each will be given throughout the semester. I will drop your worst 2 quizzes and take your best 5 for a possible total of 25 points. No make-up quizzes will be given for any reason. Any missed quiz will count as a 0.
Miscellaneous:
Make-Up Exam Policy:
If a student misses an exam, for whatever reason, without any notice prior to the exam, then no make-up exam will be given. If, BEFORE the exam is given, the student provides a legitimate and convincing reason (to be determined by the instructor) as to why the exam is unable to be taken, then arrangements may be made for a make-up exam, to be completed no more than one week after the original exam date.
Special Needs:
Students with
special needs should let me know of their specific circumstances within the
first week of class. You will need
paperwork from the Student Access Office, which will assist me in providing the
necessary accommodations to insure your success in this course.
Attendance:
Although attendance is not a necessary condition for passing
this class, it is highly likely that a student’s lack of attendance will result
in poor performances on tests. A daily
sign-up sheet will usually be passed around each class period and may be
referred to upon consideration of any borderline final grade. In cases of flagrant absenteeism, I reserve
the right to lower any final grade by as much as one letter grade.
Academic Dishonesty
Policy:
Students can review the University’s academic dishonesty policy at the following site: http://www.uark.edu/ua/ethics/academic.html. The Office of Standards and Student Ethics has set unambiguous guidelines as to what constitutes academic dishonesty. Students who are found in violation of the policy will be dealt with according to the official university policy.
Inclement Weather
Policy:
Unless the University is officially cancels class, we will meet as scheduled.