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Academic Year 2001/2002

Moral Psychology: Care of the Soul
PHIL 255 SP
Clusters:

Christian Studies

Moral psychology is the study of our minds that is aimed at an understanding of how we develop, grow, and flourish as moral beings. In this course we will examine historical and contemporary texts from philosophy, psychology, and spiritual writings that deal with the nature of the good life for human beings, the development of virtues, and the cultivation of ethical understanding and moral sensibilities. Emphasis will be both on careful understanding of the texts and on the attempt to relate the theories discussed to our own moral lives. Class will meet on Monday and Wednesday in lecture/discussion format. Each student must also be enrolled in one discussion section. Discussion sections will be focused on specific interests in or approaches to moral psychology such as clinical therapy, philosophical analysis, or spirituality in a particular religious tradition. The particular offerings of discussion section topics will vary from year to year. Each discussion section will have a distinctive se t of additional readings and exercises.

MAJOR READINGS

Writings by classical and contemporary philosophers, developmental psychologists, and spiritual writers.

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

Students are expected to attend all plenary and discussion sections and to participate in discussion in class and via email and course newsgroups. Two short papers and a final project are expected over the course of the semester.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS and/or COMMENTS

This course will meet twice per week for a lecture session. Each student who signs up for the course must also sign up for one of the four discussion sections, each of which is limited to 15 students. These will each meet once per week, and will be focused for the entire semester on one particular approach to moral psychology. Topics and instructors for the discussion sections will change from year to year. For Spring 2001, the sections are as follows:

Section 1: Jungian psychology (Englehar dt, F11)
Section 2: Christian spirituality (Stickney, Tu 7pm)
Section 3: Confucian moral psychology (Angle, F11)
Section 4: Evolutionary psycholgy and ethics (Horst, M 7pm) (This section can profitably be taken in conjunction with PHIL357, Animal Minds)

Unless preregistered students attend the first class meeting or communicate directly with the instructor prior to the first class, they will be dropped from the class list. NOTE: Students must still submit a completed Drop/Add form to the Registrar's Office.

COURSE FORMAT: Lecture/Discussion

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Level: UGRD    Credit: 1    Gen Ed Area Dept: SBS PHIL    Grading Mode: Credit/Unsatisfactory   

Prerequisites: NONE Links to Web Resources For This Course.

Last Updated on MAR-19-2002

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