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Instructor: Jesse Hughes Office: Morison Hall 111
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Email:
jhughes@bentley.edu Required text: Shafer-Landau's Ethical Theory: An Anthology Course schedule |
Surveys important traditional and contemporary ethical
positions with emphasis on relating reflective morality to life
in the world today. Includes an investigation of absolutism
versus relativism, egoism versus altruism, utilitarianism,
denotology, the nature of good, and the justification of ethical
theories.
The purpose of this course is to teach students to think critically and analytically about the nature and content of moral norms. Students will learn basic terminology of theoretical ethics and will be expected to summarize and criticize ethical positions. Students will defend their own conclusions regarding morality in original arguments in writing as well as in-class discussions.
Attendance is mandatory. You will not do well unless you
attend class and participate in the discussion. This is how one
learns philosophy. In addition, participation can bump a
borderline grade up, so do come to class prepared to contribute.
You are expected to keep up on the readings, given on the course schedule. You need to carefully read the material prior to each class. It is not enough to come and listen to the lecture. Philosophy requires careful reading and some time to think about it. I'd like for students to make notes as they read—especially writing down questions about confusing passages! If something is not clear, then bring it up in class and we can discuss it. Asking questions is a good way to contribute to the discussion.
It is not hard to spot the students who come to class prepared. It is very difficult to fake it when discussing philosophy. And believe me when I say that it's a lot harder to cram for an exam if you haven't done the reading beforehand.
Early in the course, I will assign a two-page text summary. This summary will involve narrow, focused questions which can be answered by a careful reading of the text. I do not want any original opinions or criticisms. Rather, I want you to explain in your own words what the author says about the issue.
The primary aim of this text summary is to give students a bit of practice writing on philosophical topics prior to the first major paper.
The bulk of the final grade rests on two major essays. These papers will include summary and criticism of arguments we have read, as well as a final evaluation of the issue at hand. Papers will be roughly six to eight pages. I will provide a few possible topics for each paper, but students are welcome to use their own topic instead — provided they receive prior approval from the instructor.
It goes without saying that plagiarism is unacceptable. When you turn in a paper, it must be your own work. All papers will be submitted to TurnItIn and a hardcopy submitted in class.
In summary: cheating is bad. Don't be bad.
Late assignments are penalized one letter grade per school day. Thus, if it is due on Monday, it is worthless by Friday. Exceptions are given, but only for valid excuses accepted prior to the due date.
I will not put up with disruptive behavior. Consequently, I do not want private conversations, cellphones ringing or text messaging. Cell phones should be stowed for the duration of the lecture and discussion. I do not recommend it, but you may use a laptop in the classroom so long as it does not interfere with your or others' abilities to follow the discussion.
But these and a thousand other rules are just plain common sense and I won't go through the others. Show up prepared and willing to participate and do not deprive others of the opportunity to do the same.
As stated above, late assignments are penalized one letter grade per day. Plagiarism intentional or not results in a failing grade on that exam or homework. If you use the thoughts, words or arguments of someone else—including one of our authors—say so.
I encourage students to discuss text summaries beforehand, but you must turn in your own writing. If two students discuss the topic before writing, they may produce similar papers and this can look like cheating. So, if you think that you and your friend may turn in similar papers, then you should give me a note acknowledging that you talked about the assignment but that you each wrote your papers by yourselves. That's the best way to avoid nasty misunderstandings and suspicions.
The final grade will be reckoned as follows:
| Item | %'age |
| Text summary | 20% |
| Essays | 80% |
Students are responsible for all material presented in the course and for completing the assignments and examinations on time. Absence is no excuse for failing to learn the material or completing assignments on time.
Bentley University abides by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 which stipulate no student shall be denied the benefits of an education solely by reason of a disability. If you have a hidden or visible disability which may require classroom accommodations, please call the Office of Disability Services within the first 4 weeks of the semester to schedule an appointment. The Office of Disability Services is located in Academic Services (JEN 336, 781.891.2004). The Office of Disability Services is responsible for managing accommodations and services for all students with disabilities.
This syllabus is available at http://phiwumbda.org/~jesse/teaching/Ethics-S20-01/syll.html.