This page contains the course syllabus for PHI 116

This page contains the course syllabus for PHI 116-02 (Ethics) as well as additional useful information, including:

Assignments

Study Guide for Kreeft, A Refutation of Moral Relativism (to prepare for exams)

Brief Guide to Writing Philosophy Papers (applicable to essays)

Evaluation criteria (for essays & essay questions)

Philosophy Paper Pet Peeves (applicable to essays)

COURSE TITLE: Ethics

INSTRUCTOR: Dr. Philip Blosser
Contact info: Russell House, No. 7; P.O. Box 7211; Tel. ext. 7186.

          Webpage: http://www.lrc.edu/rel/blosser/Homepage.htm; OR to find this webpage easily from
          the LRC website, type “Blosser” into the website SEARCH window, click on “Search,” then find
          “Blosser’s homepage.”

TEXTS:

    1. Theodore C. Denise (Editor), Nicholas P. White, Sheldon Peterfreund, The Great Tradition in Ethics
        (Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, 2001)
    2. Peter Kreeft, Back to Virtue: Traditional Moral Wisdom for Modern Moral Confusion (Ignatius, 1992)

A study of major ethical theories in the Western philosophical tradition. Attention is given to the relationship of ethics to personal, religious, social and political issues. Three credits. Fulfills the core requirement in philosophy.

This course is designed to offer an introduction to the field of ethics. The course will include (1) a brief overview of the context of ethics within the larger field of philosophy as a whole, (2) a substantial historical survey of ethics from the classical philosophical tradition, (3) a sustained analysis of and dialogue on the problem of moral relativism, (4) a practicum in the art of ethical analysis, and (5) a brief review of contemporary moral problems in light of classical ethical theories. In addition to reading and discussion, students will deepen their reflection on assigned texts through an in-class presentation and paper.

Basic themes of our reflection will include such questions: What is good? What is the relation between what is good and what one desires? Or between what “is” and what “ought to be”? Can what is truly good be known? Is it relative to individuals and societies, or is it objectively good for all? What gives a person moral character? What is the relation between character and action? What makes an action right, as opposed to wrong? How is moral good or evil discerned, and by what standard? How are motives and consequences of an action related to its rightness or wrongness? If some things are genuinely “good” in life, and others are still “better,” then is there something which is the “greatest good” in life (as an end-in-itself)? Are people good by nature? Why, or why not? What is the truly good life? Can we be happy without trying to be morally good? Is the truly happy life a matter of good luck, a fortuitous state of mind, or a deliberate choice? Can I be happy even when my luck runs out? If so, how?

Requirements: Formal requirements: passing exams. Material requirements that will help you meet this goal: (1) Careful and thoughtful reading of assigned texts for each class, to be done beforehand; (2) attendance and active participation in all scheduled class sessions; (3) getting enough sleep so you can be attentive and involved in class discussions; (4) taking careful notes while reading and when in class.

Format: The general format of the course will be reading and discussion. Students are encouraged to ask questions and to enter appropriately into discussion of the ideas at issue.

Grades will be based on tests (which will involve a mix of objective, short-answer, and essay questions), and quality of participation (see “attendance” below). Four exams = 25% each; for impact of class participation (see “attendance” below).

Missed exams: excepting extenuating cases, exams may be taken only on days scheduled. If the mid-term is missed, there is no penalty. However, the material covered by the missed test will be included as part of a cumulative final examination (i.e., for the person who has missed a test, the final will be cumulative with respect to the material on the missed test). If you miss the mid-term, your mid-term grade will be an “F” even though you may earn a passing grade on the cumulative final exam.

Attendance – Regular attendance is expected. No distinction will be made between excused and unexcused absences. Attention is called to the General Catalog p. 83 (2003-2005): "Students are expected to attend classes and laboratories as specified by the instructor, who will state his or her attendance policy in writing at the beginning of the semester. No allowed number of absences is automatically granted to a student. Ordinarily, a student will not receive credit if 25% of the scheduled class meetings are missed." For this course, no more than 3 absences can be allowed without affecting the final grade, and no more than 7 absences (excused or non-excused) to receive course credit.
Students who miss class almost never do well. Thus, rewards are offered for regular attendance, as well as disincentives for poor attendance. Accordingly, those with perfect attendance (no absences) will have 3 percentage points added to their final grade (2 points for 2 absences, and 1 for 3); conversely, those with more than three absences will lose 2 percentage points for each absence beginning with the fourth.

Tardiness: students are expected to be in class on time. Tardiness (arrival in class after roll is taken) counts as one-half absence, and consistent tardiness will influence the final grade, especially in borderline cases.

Academic integrity is expected and respected. Cheating (copying, plagiarism, etc.) is morally reprehensible, will not be tolerated, and if discovered will result in automatic failure of the course. The student is referred to the General Catalog, pp. 69-75 (2003-2005) for the items that define academic integrity for faculty and students. The instructor will abide by the Catalog rubrics in all instances.

Continued enrollment in the course is taken as contractually binding agreement between the student and the instructor (and institution) to the terms specified above.

A-	92-93
A	94-100
B+	90-92
B	84-89
B-	82-83
C+	80-81
C	74-79
C-	72-73
D+	70-71
D	64-69
D-	62-63
F+	60-61
F	52-59
F-	0-51

List of Blosser's current courses