Elizabeth A. Scarbrough
Philosophical consideration of some of the main moral problems of modern society and civilization, such as abortion, euthanasia, war, and capital punishment. Topics vary.
In this course, we will investigate a number of controversial moral issues from a philosophical perspective. The goals of the course are three-fold: (1) to introduce students to the fundamentals of philosophical thinking, (2) to familiarize students with several basic ethical theories (including Utilitarianism, Kantianism, Virtue Ethics, Cultural Relativism, and Pluralism), and (3) to engage students in critical reflection about a number of contemporary moral problems, including civil disobedience, fair schemes of taxation, animal rights, abortion, pornography, capitol punishment, and our obligations to the environment. Required Text: "Ethics: Theory and Contemporary Issues", MacKinnon, Barbara (Wadsworth).
Student learning goals
General method of instruction
Class assignments and grading