Spring 2013 Ethics Syllabus

Syllabus

Goals of the Course

1. Understand, integrate, and critically assess theories from a wide range of disciplines on the nature of ethics (e.g. philosophy, moral psychology, anthropology, biology).
2. To use this integrated understanding to gain insights on the nature of racism, international justice, and political and religious difference.
3. Acquire the analytic and expressive skills central to the philosophical study of ethics.

Course Description

This introductory ethics course surveys traditional ethical theories using both primary and secondary philosophical literature, and major contemporary research in moral psychology, anthropology, and biology. Throughout the course we consider applied ethical problems, such as the nature of racism, international justice, and political and religious difference. In addition to standard readings, we read Jonathan Haidt's The Righteous Mind, Franz de Waal, Morally Evolved, Peter Singer and others on international justice and obligations to the poor. The course also addresses ethical issues in political and religious difference.

Assessment

Students configure an individual "grading scheme" for their work in the course. The mandatory elements include: quizes in most classes throughout the term, a significant formal writing component, and a final exam. Students also choose from a wide range of assignments including addition research and writing, journals, experiential or service learning.