Page 1Page 2Philosophy 255 Fall 2000ETHICS2:00 - 3:20 TR, Plumb Hall 311Instructor: Dr. Ted ToadvineOffice Hours: 3:00 - 4:00 MWF and 3:30 - 4:30 Thursdays (or by appointment) in Plumb Hall 411PPhone: 341-5566 (office); 341-5462 (Social Sciences Secretary)Email: [email protected] TEXTSMorgan, ed., Classics of Moral and Political Theory, 2 ed. (Hackett, 1996).ndBenedict, Patterns of Culture (Houghton Mifflin, 1989).Gilligan, In a Different Voice (Harvard, 1982).COURSE DESCRIPTIONToward what kind of life should human beings strive? Should we work toward our own happiness, or for the “greatergood?” Do absolute principles of right and wrong exist, or are our morals relative to our culture? Do women and mendecide what is right or wrong differently? Is there a way to live that is just “naturally” right? The branch of philosophyknown as ethics deals with these and similar questions while striving to understand the difference between right andwrong actions, good and bad people. After a brief overview of concepts and topics in ethics, we will examine classicwritings of the western ethical tradition by Plato, Aristotle, Epicurus, Epictetus, Hume, Kant, Mill, and Nietzsche.During the last half of the semester, we will focus on two 20 century theories: cultural relativism, as represented bythRuth Benedict’s ground-breaking anthropological work, Patterns of Culture, and the “Ethics of Care,” introduced byCarol Gilligan in the modern classic, In a Different Voice. COURSE REQUIREMENTS1. Attendance at the lectures is absolutely crucial for understanding of the readings and participation in class discussion.Therefore, attendance at every class is expected as a minimal requirement for this course. Missing FOUR classes FORANY REASON will result in a full grade reduction. In the event that ALL FOUR absences are the result of an extrememedical condition, documented by a statement from your physician or Health Services, notify me as soon as possibleto discuss extra assignments to make up for your missed time. Missing SIX or more classes will result in an “F” forthe course. There is no need to document illness for fewer than four absences, except in the case of having missed anexam due to an emergency.2. You are expected to be in command of the assigned readings PRIOR to the class period in which we will discuss them.Otherwise, any attempt to discuss the material will be a waste of time. Some of the readings will be quite dense andrequire effort on your part to understand them. Give yourself time to read difficult passages more than once.3. There will be a 20 minute test every Thursday, beginning on 8/31 (except on the last day of class, 12/7). Each test willconsist of two parts: (a) three questions that will test your command of the course content and are to be answered with briefstatements of about 30 words total for each question; and(b) an essay question to be answered in around 150 words that identifies the context of a passage taken from thereadings and reflects your agreement or disagreement with the passage.Your primary grade will be based on your answers to the three course content questions, each counting 10 pointsfor a total possible of 30 points. The response to the essay question will be graded U+, U, or U–. U+ will add 2points to your primary grade, U will add 1 point, and U– will subtract 1 point.4. On the date of the final exam, there will be a final test of (a) twelve course content questions, including nine drawnfrom previous tests and three covering the material from the previous week, and (b) an essay question on selectedreadings to be answered in around 300 words. The final exam will be worth three ordinary tests.5. You can miss one test (except the final). If you take all of the tests, the lowest grade (or a third of the final, if thatis your lowest grade) will be dropped. You can make up a test missed for medical reasons if you provide astatement from your physician or Health Services.6. Discussion is crucial to this class, and I am counting on you to provide it. I will do my best to make everyone feelat ease and welcome to contribute to the discussions. Talking with each other about these sometimes difficult and/orcontroversial topics is a sure-fire way to understand them better (and it also makes for a livelier class period). Somy hope is that you will put in your two cents whenever you are struck by a question, idea, problem, or objection.NO RELEVANT REMARK IS OUT OF BOUNDS IN THIS CLASS. As an added incentive for your participation,I will take into account your regular contributions to the ongoing discussion in borderline grade cases. For example,regular thoughtful participation in discussion (not just quantity, of course, but also quality) may raise a high “B”grade (an 89, for example) up to an “A.”PLEASE NOTE1. Academic dishonesty of any kind will not be tolerated. This includes plagiarism, the paraphrase or quotation of anypublished or unpublished source—including the textbooks—without full and clear acknowledgment. The universitypolicy regarding academic dishonesty, as explained in the Student Handbook, will be strictly enforced. 2. If you have a documented disability, please let me know as soon as possible so that appropriate accommodations canbe made.3. As listed above, my office hours are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 3:00 to 4:00, and Thursday, 3:30 to 4:30. I willbe spending these hours in my office for the sole purpose of being available for your questions. If these times are notconvenient for you, and there is something you need to discuss with me, please ask to make an appointment. Messagescan be left with the Social Sciences secretary (PH 411) at 341-5462. You are also welcome to address inquiries to mevia Email at [email protected] COURSE SCHEDULE (changes and specific assignments will be announced in class)Week/Dates Assigned ReadingsWeek 1: 8/22, 8/24 Introduction to CourseWeek 2: 8/29, 8/31 Apology (6-20), Republic, Book I (32-54)Week 3: 9/5, 9/7 Nicomachean Ethics, Books I & II (250-273); Book X, sections 6-9 (376-384)Week 4: 9/12, 9/14 Epicurus (451-459), Epictetus (460-478)Week 5: 9/19, 9/21 Hume, Treatise of Human Nature, BK III, Part I, Sections 1 & 2 (821-832)Kant, Grounding for the Metaphysics of Morals, Preface & Section I (983-995)Week 6: 9/26, 9/28 Kant, Grounding for the Metaphysics of Morals, Sections 2 & 3 (995-1030)Week 7: 10/3, 10/5 Mill, Utilitarianism, Chapters I-IV