Primate Ethics and Primate Minds
ANTH 350
Spring 2007 not offered
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| Crosslisting:
PHIL 268 |
Can nonhuman primates engage in moral reasoning? Do they act ethically? What can other primates tell us about the origins of human ethical practice? Perhaps ethical reasoning is unique to our own species. It requires, for example, considerable social intelligence, including the ability to see oneself in another's position, the ability to be introspective about ones' own behavior, and the ability to form, nurture and maintain complex social relationships in which the well-being of your friends and associates are essential components. Nevertheless, apparent examples of caring and empathetic behavior do exist, not only for other primates, such as apes and monkeys, but for nonprimate species as well. In addition, members of our own species often seem to behave as if they lack insight and a sense of moral justice, not only towards members of their own species, but also towards other species. This course will examine these issues, exploring the evidence for moral reasoning and complex social relationships in humans and other primates, their possible origins, and the implications for the future survival of our primate cousins, and ultimately our own survival. |
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Essential Capabilities:
Ethical Reasoning, Writing |
| Credit: 1 |
Gen Ed Area Dept:
SBS ANTH |
| Course Format: Lecture | Grading Mode: Graded |
| Level: UGRD |
Prerequisites: None |
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Fulfills a Major Requirement for: None |
Major Readings:
Two to three books and a number of articles. About 100-200 pages per week. Specific readings TBA.
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Examinations and Assignments:
Two examinations and two papers. |
Additional Requirements and/or Comments:
Please note that this course carries dual General Education designations. When you register for this course, it will be assigned a primary Gened credit of SBS. If you choose to take the course for HA Gened credit instead, you must make this change at the Registrar's Office during the drop/add period. NO CHANGE TO GENED DESIGNATION MAY BE MADE AFTER DROP/ADD ENDS. |
| Drop/Add Enrollment Requests | | | | | |
| Total Submitted Requests: 0 | 1st Ranked: 0 | 2nd Ranked: 0 | 3rd Ranked: 0 | 4th Ranked: 0 | Unranked: 0 |
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