Introduction to Ethics

ARMSTRONG ATLANTIC STATE UNIVERSITY
DEPARTMENT OF LANGUAGES, LITERATURE AND PHILOSOPHY
COURSE NUMBER: PHIL 2251 – Introduction to Ethics
Fall 2006

Instructor: Dr. Jack Simmons
Office: 202A Gamble Hall
Telephone: 921-7336
E-mail: simmonja@mail.armstrong.edu
Office Hours: Tuesday: 3:45-5:00, Wednesday 2:00-6:00

COURSE DESCRIPTION
When we think of ethics, we often think in terms of 'good,' 'evil,' 'right,' and 'wrong,' and we apply these terms to actions as diverse as executing murderers, voting, practicing homosexuality, and eating dinner (when it includes meat or dairy). In this course, we will discuss the right, wrong, good and evil of some issues that we face today. In our discussions, we will consider 1) what constitutes our notions of good and evil, 2) how we can apply those notions of good and evil to actual issues, and 3) whether these ethical considerations should determine public policy (should we have laws enforcing what is ethically right) or merely represent a guide for private morality.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
1. Introduce classic and contemporary ethical thought.
2. Develop skills in ethical analysis and reasoning.
3. Improve skills in reading and writing sophisticated theoretical arguments.
4. Apply ethical analysis to contemporary moral issues.
REQUIRED READING
Morality and Moral Controversies, John Arthur
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
Journals 20% Weekly writing assignments on the readings. These assignments will be one page typed and double spaced. The assignments will be turned in, reviewed by the class, saved by the student, and turned in again at the end of the semester.
Exam I 20% Exam, Peer Review
Exam II (Midterm) 20% Exam
Exam III 20% Exam, Essay
Exam IV (Final) 20% Exam

CLASS SCHEDULE (actual classroom progress may vary)
Week Topic

1 Introduction
2 Classical Readings – Arthur, Aristotle
4 Mill
5 Kant
6 Free Speech – Affirmative Action
7 Date Rape
8 Gender Equality
9 Hobbes/Locke
10 Marx - Property Rights
11 War
12 St Augustine
13 Rawls
14 Abortion
15 TBA
16 Review







COURSE POLICIES
Electronics: No beepers, mobile telephones or other noise making electronic devices are allowed in class. If you must carry one, make sure it is off, and hidden so that the professor cannot see it.
Academic Honor Code: Plagiarism and/or cheating will result in automatic failure of the course, and possible disciplinary action through established university procedures.
Attendance: Students must attend class. Failing to attend class is likely to lead to a failing grade.
Visitor Policy: The classroom remains open to all adult visitors, including all AASU faculty, administration and staff. Visitors are encouraged to participate in classroom activities.
Free Speech: The Ethics 2251 classroom is a free speech zone. This means that students, faculty and visitors may offer any ideas they like, and use any words available in English or any other language that they feel necessary to express their ideas. Students, faculty and visitors may exercise their free speech without fear of retaliation. The only limit on free speech is that comments must be directed to the classroom, not to individuals in the classroom. Comments in class do not necessarily represent the views of Armstrong Atlantic State University, and may not represent the views of the student, faculty member or visitor making the comment. Speakers may be called upon to defend any idea presented in class.
Graduating Seniors: Graduating seniors are responsible for notifying the professor of their status.
Journals: Late journals will not be accepted. Journals may not be turned in early, nor may they be turned in by a fellow student. Journals that do not conform to the following requirements will not be accepted. Each journal entry must be bound in a folder sporting the class title and time, student’s name, address, telephone number and e-mail address. Each journal entry must be typed, double-spaced and one entire page in length. Each journal entry must also include the following heading:
Title of the Assignment
Name of Student
Date
Journal Entry Number