Philosophy 111/501: Contemporary Moral Issues Dr. Michael LeBuffe
Bolton 003 Office Hours: M 9-11
MWF: 12:40-1:30 Office: Bolton Hall 214B
e-mail: lebuffe@philosophy.tamu.edu
Course Objectives: This introductory course starts with a brief look at two of the most influential theories of value, Mill's utilitarianism and Kant's deontological theory of right action. These theories of value will help us in two ways. First, because most of the arguments that we shall read fall under utilitarian or Kantian traditions, they will help us to understand the rest of the course authors. Second, Mill and Kant provide theories of value under which we can begin to build a constructive moral debate. Notably, each theory gives an account of the moral value of particular actions under which moral reasons are equally available to all of us. Some of us may ultimately decide that we simply cannot productively discuss sensitive issues like abortion and capital punishment. On such a perspective, my beliefs about the good are based upon reasons or feelings that, in some cases, I simply cannot communicate to you. The point of this course, however, is to see what progress we can make in understanding the reasoning of others and in building moral views that others can understand and appreciate.
Texts: Judith Boss (ed.), Analyzing Moral Issues
Immanuel Kant, Grounding for the Metaphysics of Morals
John
Stuart Mill, Utilitarianism
Requirements:
2 Area Papers (20% each): The area papers will give students an opportunity to defend particular positions on given topics. They will be 3-4 pages in length. The quality of the argument, the expression of understanding of course texts, and the clarity of writing will be the basis of the paper grades. Only university approved excuses are acceptable for late papers. Papers turned in late without university approved excuses will be penalized a full letter grade for each day late.
Area Paper 1 due: 3/19
Area Paper 2 due: 4/29
4 Exams (15% each): The
exams will test students’ knowledge of course material. Students will be responsible for knowing:
1. Course authors’ positions and
arguments. 2. Facts about the issues presented in
supplementary readings during the course.
3. All lecture material. Only university approved excuses are
acceptable for missed exams.
Exam 2: 3/7
Exam 3: 4/11
Exam 4: 4/25
Assigned Reading:
Area One: Theories of Value
Week One (1/14-1/18): Introduction and Utilitarianism
Week Two (1/21-1/25): Utilitarianism
Week Three (1/28-2/1): Grounding for the Metaphysics of Morals
Area Two: Biomedical Ethics
Week Four (2/4-2/8): Exam 1: 2/4. Abortion. Readings from Boss: Noonan, “An Almost Absolute Value in History;” and Warren, “The Moral Significance of Birth.”
Week Five (2/11-2/15): Abortion, cont. and Euthanasia. Readings from Boss: Thomson, “A Defense of Abortion;” Rachels, “Active and Passive Euthanasia.”
Week Six (2/18-2/22): Euthanasia, cont. Readings from Boss: Callahan, “‘Aid in Dying’:The Social Dimensions;” Hardwig, “Is there a duty to die?”
Week Seven (2/25-2/28): Euthanasia, cont. and Animal Experimentation. Readings from Boss: Battin, “The Case for Euthanasia;” Singer, “Animal Liberation.”
Week Eight (3/3-3/7):
Animal Experimentation. Reading from
Boss: Cohen, “Do Animals Have Rights?” Exam
2: 3/7.
Area Three: Social Justice
Week Nine (3/17-3/21): Area Paper 1 due 3/19. Race. Readings from Boss: Garcia, “The Heart of Racism; ”Boxill, “The Color-Blind Principle”
Week Ten (3/24-3/28): Pornography and Same Sex Marriage. Reading from Boss: Mackinnon, “Pornography, Civil Rights, and Speech;” Finnis, “Law, Morality and Sexual Orientation”
Week Eleven (3/31-4/4): Same-Sex Marriage, cont. and Capital Punishment. Readings from Boss: Nava and Dawidoff, “The Case for Gay Marriage;” Calhoun, “Family’s Outlaws...”; van Den Haag, “The Ultimate Punishment
Week Twelve (4/7-4/11):
Capital Punishment. Reading from Boss:
Bedau, “Capital Punishment.” Exam 3:
4/11.
Area Four: Civil Disobedience, Terrorism, and Wartime Morality
Week Thirteen (4/14-4/18):
Walzer, "Five Questions about Terrorism"; Luban, "The War on
Terrorism and the End of Human Rights."
Week Fourteen (4/21-4/25): Coady, "War and Terrorism." Exam 4: 4/25.
Area Paper 2 due 4/29.
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