Below: Course Description | Grades & Requirements | Calendar
Fall 2005 PHL126 INSTRUCTOR: Larry Hauser email: hauser@alma.edu |
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- The Elements of Moral Philosophy (4th Edition), James Rachels, McGraw-Hill Inc.
- Practical Ethics (2nd Edition), Peter Singer, Cambridge University Press.
DESCRIPTION: This class explores moral values, the nature of ethical judgments, and the bases for moral or ethical decisions through the consideration of controversial contemporary issues: equality, racism, sexism, and affirmative action; animal rights, vegetarianism and animal research; the nature of personhood, the right to life, and abortion; euthanasia and the right to die; poverty and the distribution of wealth; refugees and immigration; environmental ethics; and issues concerning morality and legality. After a brief introductory survey of various ethical theories and theoretical issues, students will write and present essays attempting to apply theoretical principles to resolve (or, at least, clarify) various practical ethical dilemmas which -- both individually and collectively -- we face. (See calendar below for dates and details.)
GRADES WILL BE BASED ON
ASSIGNMENT |
DUE DATES & EXPLANATIONS |
VALUE |
Commentaries & Quizzes |
periodic (3 quiz 3 com. {max}: best 4 of 6) |
1/5 of course |
Midterm Examination |
Tuesday, October 25 |
1/5 of course |
Term Paper |
drafts due on slated presentation date: rewrite due Thursday, Dec. 6 |
1/5 of course |
Final Examination |
7:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 13 |
1/5 of course |
Participation |
attendance {lecture =1, presentation = 4} |
1/5 of course |
My classroom is rated R: lectures & discussion may include adult themes and language.