PHILOSOPHY 2250:
INTRODUCTORY ETHICS

Fall Semester
6:00 P.M. ---Thursday---Daniels Hall 204

Textbooks:

Social Ethics (SE) 7th ed. , Thomas Mappes and Jane Zembaty
The Right Thing to Do (RTD) 4th ed. , James Rachels

Objectives:

1. To learn some of the fundamental ethical theories used by philosophers in addressing moral problems.

2. To learn to apply fundamental ethical theories to contemporary social moral problems.

3. To learn how better to analyze and critically evaluate ideas, arguments, and differing points of view.

4. To develop a clearer understanding of and commitment to personal values.

5. To develop skills in effective oral and written communication.

Requirements:

•  Read the assigned readings and write the required examinations. You undoubtedly will have to read the assigned readings more than once to comprehend them. The assigned readings from the texts will be supplemented with class handouts. No term paper is required. Brief written assignments may be required as we progress throughout the term.

•  Journal . You are to keep a journal throughout the term. There are two parts to the journal: an informal section and a formal section. In the informal section, you are to have an entry dated for each class session. In this part you are to write your reactions to classroom discussions, films, questions which may arise during the class, classroom handouts, etc. Included in the formal section will be a brief written response to one question out of each set of questions found in the following chapters of Social Ethics: 1,2,3,4,5, 7 and 8. For example, on page 13 of SE there are two questions. Select one of those, answer it to your satisfaction, and include the answer in your journal. The journal will be called for at the time of the mid-term exam and again at the end of the semester. The journal must be word-processed. Please arrange the formal part of your journal in logical order and clearly identify each question answered. Clearly date each weekly entry in the informal part of your journal. The entire journal (consisting of informal and formal parts) is to be handed in at the time of the final exam and given a grade.

•  Attend class regularly. In that the course is conducted by means of class discussion, you are expected to be here and to participate. The attendance policy of the class shall be that of the University stated in the catalog. It is expected that no more than two unexcused absences will be incurred during the semester. Excessive absences beyond that will be detrimental to your final grade. An excellent attendance record will be to your advantage at the time final grades are assigned. A grade will be given for participation and will be a part of final grade considerations. Because the format of the class involves much class discussion, it is expected that each student will contribute to the discussion throughout the term. More importantly, philosophy is learned in dialogue with others. If you are required to discuss ethical issues with your instructor and class colleagues, you will find that you more easily grasp the issues at stake.

Assignments :

Please read RTD , chapters 1-9, throughout the first three weeks. The following assignments indicate generally the framework in which we will discuss the ethical issues scheduled for this course. In-class video clips will supplement the readings. E-mail messages will give you the weekly schedule.

I. Rights, Prejudice, and Discrimination
Handout: "Rights, Human Rights, and Racial Discrimination"
SE , chapters 5 & 7. A handout on Affirmative Action will be given to you.
RTD , chapters 26,27,28,29,30, 31

II. Punishment
Handouts: "The Justification of Punishment" and "Or Else"
SE , chapter 3
RTD , chapters 8,24,25

 

III. Respect for Life
SE , chapters 1,2,4
RTD , chapters 10,11,12,13,14,16,17,18,

IV. Poverty and Hunger
SE , chapter 8
RTD , chapters 15,21,22

Final Grade:

The final grade will be based on two exams (a mid-term and a final), the journal, and classroom participation. The exams will count for 60% of the grade, the journal 30%, and participation 10%. No final grade will be assigned unless all required materials are submitted.

Students with a disability requiring accommodations should contact the Office of Disability Services (ODS). An Accommodation Request (AR) should be completed as soon as possible, preferably by the end of the first week of the course. The ODS is located in the Roaden University Center, Room 112; phone 372-6119.

This syllabus can be found at the following web page address: http://www.tntech.edu/sociology/faculty/henry