Phil 240: Ethics

Winter Session 2025

Course Description

This  class  will  introduce  students  to  moral  philosophy.  Our  first  aim  is  to investigate four major ethical theories that seek to explain what makes an action morally right or morally wrong. We will also consider whether there are any objective moral truths or whether morality is, in some sense, a subjective or relative matter.

Our  second  aim  is  to  explore  a  couple  of  contemporary  moral  issues.  More specifically, we will consider

•   Whether abortion is morally permissible

•   Whether killing animals for food is morally permissible

Books:

I will post all ofthe readings on Canvas

Learning Outcomes:

a) Students identify primary philosophical themes found in the writings of major ancient, medieval, modern, and moral philosophers.

b) Students write historical and argumentative essays on central philosophical issues.

c) Students develop philosophical arguments using formal and informal methods originated by historical and contemporary philosophers.

Core D3 Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to:

• Identify and articulate central ethical problems concerning equality, justice, and rights, and understand the role these play in personal and professional life.

• Compare and contrast major ethical theories, to show how actions can be determined to be just or unjust, right or wrong, or good or bad, and to demonstrate knowledge of the strengths and weaknesses of major ethical theories.

• Investigate ways of settling ethical disputes in arriving at ethical judgments.

• Think and write critically about classic and contemporary moral issues.

• Identify the contributions of diversity and recognize the challenge that it presents in resolving contemporary ethical issues.

• Demonstrate an ability to apply ethical theories and values in personal decision-making.

Assignments

See the Work and Grade Agreement page on Canvas

Grades (what they mean)