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Academic Year 2004/2005


Introduction to Ethics
PHIL 212 FA

Two major ancient approaches to right living (Platonic-Stoic and Aristotelian) differ radically over the role of experience and the possibility of transcending social norms, yet both insist that moral life is inextricably bound to individual happiness. Classic modern ideas of moral action (Kantian and utilitarian) face a potential gulf between individual happiness and moral rightness, even while they again disagree about whether morality's basic principles derive from experience. Especially since Marx and Nietzsche, moral theory faces a sustained challenge from social theorists who allege moral norms and judgments serve partisan political ends. Some have sought to repair universal ethics by prioritizing our sensitivity to oppression, yet the move away from simple moral universals has led others to conclude that moral judgments must be matters of personal integrity, worked out individually. Through all these debates we will inquire, does there remain an intelligible common concept of moral wisdom?

MAJOR READINGS

Plato, FIVE DIALOGUES (translated by Grube, Hackett 1981)
Aristotle, NICOMACHEAN ETHICS (Oxford edition)
Kant, GROUNDING OF THE METAPHYSICS OF MORALS (translated by Ellington, Hackett 1981 or later)
Mill, UTILITARIANISM (Hackett 1979 or later)
Guignon, ed. THE GOOD LIFE (anthology from Hackett, 1999)
additional readings will be made available on reserve and via photocopy.

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

Frequent written commentary; two longer essays; final exam.

COURSE FORMAT: Lecture/Discussion

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Level: UGRD    Credit: 1    Gen Ed Area Dept: HA PHIL    Grading Mode: Graded   

Prerequisites: NONE

SECTION 01

Instructor(s): Springer,Elise    
Times: .M.W... 02:40PM-04:00PM;     Location: FISK210;
Reserved Seats:    (Total Limit: 35)
SR. major: 5   Jr. major: 10
SR. non-major: 2   Jr. non-major: 3   SO: 8   FR: 7

Special Attributes:
Curricular Renewal:    Ethical Reasoning, Writing
Links to Web Resources For This Course.

Last Updated on MAR-21-2005


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