Introduction to Ethics
PHIL 212
Fall 2005
| Section:
01
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| Certificates: Environmental Studies |
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? |
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Essential Capabilities:
Ethical Reasoning, Ethical Reasoning, Writing, Writing |
| Credit: 1 |
Gen Ed Area Dept:
HA PHIL |
| Course Format: Lecture/Discussion | Grading Mode: Graded |
| Level: UGRD |
Prerequisites: None |
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Fulfills a Requirement for: (CIVI-MN)(CSCT)(ENVS-MN)(ENVS)(HRAD-MN)(PHIL)(PHIL-Philosophy)(PHIL-Social Jus)(STS) |
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Past Enrollment Probability: Not Available |
| SECTION 01 |
Major Readings: Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore
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.
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Examinations and Assignments:
Frequent written commentary; two longer essays; final exam. |
| Instructor(s): Springer,Elise Times: .M.W... 02:40PM-04:00PM; Location: FISK302; |
| Total Enrollment Limit: 35 | | SR major: 5 | JR major: 10 | | |
| Seats Available: -4 | GRAD: 0 | SR non-major: 2 | JR non-major: 3 | SO: 8 | FR: 7 |
| Drop/Add Enrollment Requests | | | | | |
| Total Submitted Requests: 8 | 1st Ranked: 2 | 2nd Ranked: 0 | 3rd Ranked: 1 | 4th Ranked: 0 | Unranked: 5 |
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