Lincoln University
Philosophy Program
Department of History, Political Science, Philosophy and Religion
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Course Title: |
Ethics |
Course number: |
PHL 215 |
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Credit Hours |
3 |
Prerequisite (s): |
None |
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Term: |
Spring 2021 |
Co-Requisite (s) |
None |
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Course Method |
Lecture and discussion |
Meeting day and Time: |
MWF 1-1:50 pm
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Instructor: |
Safro Kwame, Ph.D. |
Classroom/lab/Studio Location: |
Grim Hall 306 |
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Office location: |
GRIM HALL 310 |
e-mail: |
kwame@lincoln.edu |
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Office Hours: |
MWF 11 a.m. – 12 Noon and 3-4 p.m. |
Phone Extension: |
484-365-7569 or 302-292-0263 |
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course examines central issues in moral philosophy from both a historical and contemporary point of view. Topics include virtue and the good of life, ethical judgment, relativism, egoism, utilitarianism, deontology, rights theory, and justice. NOTE: This is not a writing-intensive course. It does not satisfy the official writing requirements.
REQUIRED TEXT: Pojman, L and Tramel, P. 2009. Moral Philosophy: A Reader 4th ed., Indianapolis, Hackett Publishing Co. (ISBN: 978-0-87220-962-6)
http://www.hackettpublishing.com/moral-philosophy-a-reader
REQUIRED MATERIALS: Textbook, Computer, Word Processor, Internet Browser, E-mail Account, and Internet Access (Wifi).
REQUIRED SOFTWARE/TECHNOLOGY REQUIREMENTS:
Word-processing, use of Microsoft Office or equivalent, document conversion, use of e-mail, social media and a learning or course management system including Moodle and Blackboard, use of the Internet including Internet searches and grade checks; web or video conferencing (or teleconferencing including the use of Zoom and Skype).
Communication mode: E-mail, Moodle or current University learning or course management system, web or video conferencing (or teleconferencing including the use of Zoom and Skype). Initial student contact with instructor should be by e-mail followed by the current University learning or course management system e.g. Moodle or Canvas. Additional or subsequent communications will be conducted by e-mail, the use of the current University learning or course management system, and/or web or video conferencing (or teleconferencing including the use of Zoom and Skype).
UNIVERSITY ACADEMIC, INSTITUTIONAL and TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT SERVICES:
Students can access assistance for academic, institutional and technology support at:
Academic Support: https://www.lincoln.edu/departments/academic-support
Institutional Support: https://www.lincoln.edu/departments/institutional-effectiveness-research-and-planning
Technology Support: https://www.lincoln.edu/departments/information-technology
Academic Advising: https://www.lincoln.edu/departments/academic-advising
Counseling Services: https://www.lincoln.edu/departments/counseling-services
Health Services: https://www.lincoln.edu/departments/health-services
Assessment Criteria & Alignment
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Course SLO |
PSLOs (indicate number only) |
ILOs (indicate #only) |
Direct and Indirect Assessment Methods |
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CSLO 1 |
PSLO 5 |
ILO 8 |
Course and homework assignments. Examinations and quizzes. Term papers and reports. |
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CSLO 2 |
PSLO 3 |
ILO 5 |
Examinations and quizzes. Term papers and reports. Class discussion participation. |
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CSLO 3 |
PSLO 1 & 6 |
ILO 5 |
Course and homework assignments. Examinations and quizzes. Term papers and reports. Class discussion participation. |
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CSLO 4 |
PSLO 5 |
ILO 3 |
Course and homework assignments. Examinations and quizzes. Term papers and reports. Class discussion participation. |
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CSLO 5 |
PSLO 4 & 2 |
ILO 4 |
Course and homework assignments. Examinations and quizzes. Term papers and reports. Class discussion participation. |
Course Student Learning Outcomes (CSLO):
Upon successful completion of this course the student will:
1. Define ethics and ethical theory.
2. Distinguish between Moral Relativism, Moral Objectivism, Egoism, Utilitarianism and Kantianism.
3. Distinguish between consequential and deontological theories.
4. Identify some of the famous ethical theorists.
5. Apply ethical theories and techniques.
Program Student Learning Outcomes (PSLO):
1. Analyze philosophical and logical problems. (Program SLO 1)
2. Create clear and cogent oral and written presentations. (Program SLO 2)
3. Critically evaluate arguments and claims in philosophical and non-philosophical contexts. (Program SLO 3)
4. Apply philosophical theories and normative principles to current events and broader issues pertaining to the individual and society. (Program SLO 4)
5. Interpret and appraise major texts and philosophical systems in the history of philosophy. (Program SLO 5)
6. Analyze and critique major texts and positions in the areas of epistemology, metaphysics, and ethics. (Program SLO 6)
Institutional Learning Outcomes (ILO): (List only those assessed with this course.)
Diversity/Cultural Awareness (ILO 3).
Social Responsibility and Civic Engagement (ILO 4)
Critical Thinking (ILO 5).
Integrative and Life-Long Learning (ILO 8).
Calculation of Final Grades:
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Final Exam 30% |
Midterm Exam 30% |
Paper/Essay 15% |
Class Participation 15% |
Homework 10% |
GRADING SCALE:
|
Grade |
A |
A- |
B+ |
B |
B- |
C+ |
C |
C- |
D+ |
D |
F |
|
GPA Points |
4.0 |
3.7 |
3.3 |
3.0 |
2.7 |
2.3 |
2.0 |
1.7 |
1.3 |
1.0 |
0.0 |
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% |
100-93 |
92.9-90 |
89.9-88 |
87.9-82 |
81.9-80 |
79.9-78 |
77.9-72 |
71.9-70 |
69.9-67 |
66.9-60.1 |
60 and under |
SCHEDULE OF LEARNING topics covered
See supplement or addendum to syllabus for specifics, updates and changes.
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Class Meets: •ASSIGNMENT SELECTION & SCHEDULE MAY BE SUBJECT TO CHANGE• |
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Week 01: |
General Introduction: What is Moral Philosophy? |
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Week 02: |
I. What Is Morally Right Conduct? |
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Week 03: |
II. Moral Relativism vs. Moral Objectivism |
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Week 04: |
III. Ethics and Egoism |
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Week 05: |
IV. Value: What Is the Good? |
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Week 06: |
V. Utilitarian Ethics |
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Week 07: |
V. Utilitarian Ethics |
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Week 08: Midterm |
Mid-term Week |
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Week 09: |
VI. Deontological Ethics |
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Week 10: |
VI. Deontological Ethics |
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Week 11: |
VII. Virtue Ethics |
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Week 12: |
VIII. Morality and Religion |
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Week 13: |
IX. Applied Ethics |
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Week 14: |
Easter |
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Week 15: |
African Ethics |
Lincoln University uses the class method of teaching, which assumes that each student has something to contribute and something to gain by attending class. It further assumes that there is much more instruction absorbed in the classroom than can be tested on examinations. Therefore, students are expected to attend all regularly scheduled class meetings and should exhibit good faith in this regard. For the control of absences, the faculty adopted the following regulations: 1. Four absences may result in an automatic failure in the course. 2. Three tardy arrivals may be counted as one absence. http://www.lincoln.edu/sites/default/files/pdf/registrar/Catalog.pdf
STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES STATEMENT:
Lincoln University is committed to non-discrimination of students with disabilities and therefore ensures that they have equal access to higher education, programs, activities, and services in order to achieve full participation and integration into the University. In keeping with the philosophies of the mission and vision of the University, the Office of Student Support Services, through the Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) Program, provides an array of support services and reasonable accommodations for students with special needs and/or disabilities as defined by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. The Services for Students with Disabilities Program seeks to promote awareness and a campus environment in which accommodating students with special needs and/or disabilities is natural extension of the University’s goal. Any student with a documented disability should contact the Office of Student Support Services. http://www.lincoln.edu/studentservices/index.html
UNIVERSITY ACADEMIC INTEGRITY STATEMENT:
Students are responsible for proper conduct and integrity in all of their scholastic work. They must follow a professor's instructions when completing tests, homework, and laboratory reports, and must ask for clarification if the instructions are not clear. In general, students should not give or receive aid when taking exams, or exceed the time limitations specified by the professor. In seeking the truth, in learning to think critically, and in preparing for a life of constructive service, honesty is imperative. Honesty in the classroom and in the preparation of papers is therefore expected of all students. Each student has the responsibility to submit work that is uniquely his or her own. All of this work must be done in accordance with established principles of academic integrity. http://www.lincoln.edu/sites/default/files/pdf/registrar/Catalog.pdf
POLICY ON ELECTRONIC DEVICES IN CLASSROOM:
Use of electronic devices is prohibited unless approved by the instructor for purposes directly related to the course. Texting, searching the internet, recording, taking pictures or videos, talking, and playing games, among other things, are specifically prohibited. During exams, all electronic devices must be turned off.
Supplement or addendum to syllabus for specifics, updates and changes.
Textbook: Pojman and Tramel 2009. Moral Philosophy: A Reader 4th ed., Indianapolis, Hackett Pub. Co.
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Day |
Date |
Discussion Topic/Learning Opportunities |
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Mon |
01/25/2021 |
Prologue. |
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Wed |
01/27/2021 |
General Introduction: What is Moral Philosophy? |
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Fri |
01/29/2021 |
Read Chapter 4. Ruth Benedict: Cultural Relativism - before today's class. |
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Mon |
02/01/2021 |
Read Chapter 5. Louis P. Pojman: A Defense of Ethical Objectivism - before today's class. |
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Wed |
02/03/2021 |
Read Chapter 6. Gilbert Harman: A Defense of Ethical Relativism - before today's class. |
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Fri |
02/05/2021 |
Read Chapter 8. Thomas Hobbes: Egoism as the Beginning of Morality - before today's class. |
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Mon |
02/08/2021 |
Read Chapter 9. Ayn Rand: A Defense of Ethical Egoism - before today's class. |
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Wed |
02/10/2021 |
Read Chapter 10. James Rachels: A Critique of Ethical Egoism - before today's class. |
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Fri |
02/12/2021 |
Read Chapter 11. Howard Kahane: Sociobiology, Egoism, and Reciprocity - before today's class. |
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Mon |
02/15/2021 |
Discussion. |
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Wed |
02/17/2021 |
Classwork 1: Quiz on Readings and Classes. |
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Fri |
02/19/2021 |
Read Chapter 16. Robert Nozick: The Experience Machine - before today's class. |
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Mon |
02/22/2021 |
Spring Break: NO CLASS. |
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Wed |
02/24/2021 |
Spring Break: NO CLASS. |
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Fri |
02/26/2021 |
Spring Break: NO CLASS. |
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Mon |
03/01/2021 |
Read Chapter 18. Derek Parfit: What Makes Someone's Life Go Best? - before today's class. |
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Wed |
03/03/2021 |
Read Chapter 19. John Stuart Mill: Utilitarianism - before today's class. |
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Fri |
03/05/2021 |
Read Chapter 21. Bernard Williams: A Critique of Utilitarianism - before today's class. |
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Mon |
03/08/2021 |
Read Chapter 22. Sterling Harwood: Eleven Objections to Utilitarianism - before today's class. |
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Wed |
03/10/2021 |
Read Chapter 23. Brad Hooker: Ideal Code Utilitarianism - before today's class. |
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Fri |
03/12/2021 |
Read Chapter 24. Immanuel Kant: The Foundations of Ethics - before today's class. |
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Mon |
03/15/2021 |
Read Chapter 25. Melissa Bergeron and Peter Tramel: Rightness as Fairness: Kant's Categorical Imperative - before today's class. |
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Wed |
03/17/2021 |
Read Chapter 28. T: M. Scanlon: A Contractarian Ethics - before today's class. |
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Fri |
03/19/2021 |
Discussion 2 |
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Mon |
03/22/2021 |
Review. |
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Wed |
03/24/2021 |
Comprehensive Midterm Exam. |
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Fri |
03/26/2021 |
Midterm Break: NO CLASS. |
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Mon |
03/29/2021 |
Read Chapter 30. Bernard Mayo: Virtue and the Moral Life - before today's class. |
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Wed |
03/31/2021 |
Read Chapter 31. William Frankena: A Critique of Virtue-Based Ethics - before today's class. |
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Fri |
04/02/2021 |
Easter Break: NO CLASS. |
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Mon |
04/05/2021 |
Read Chapter 32. Alasdair MacIntyre: The Nature of the Virtues - before today's class. |
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Wed |
04/07/2021 |
Read Chapter 33. Jonathan Bennett: The Conscience of Huckleberry Finn - before today's class. |
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Fri |
04/09/2021 |
Read Chapter 34. Rosalind Hursthouse: Virtue and Emotion - before today's class. |
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Mon |
04/12/2021 |
Read Chapter 35. Plato: The Euthyphro Problem - before today's class. |
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Wed |
04/14/2021 |
Read Chapter 37. James Rachels: God and Morality are Incompatible - before today's class. |
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Fri |
04/16/2021 |
Read Chapter 38. C. Stephen Layman: God and the Moral Order - before today's class. |
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Mon |
04/19/2021 |
Read Chapter 39. Peter Byrne: God and the Moral Order: A Reply to Layman - before today's class. |
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Wed |
04/21/2021 |
Classwork 2: Quiz on Readings and Classes. |
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Fri |
04/23/2021 |
Read Chapter 41. Peter Singer: Famine, Affluence, and Morality - before today's class. |
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Mon |
04/26/2021 |
Read Chapter 42. Onora O'Neill: Kantian Ethics and World Hunger - before today's class. |
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Wed |
04/28/2021 |
Application or Presentation or African Ethics -- Handout Part I. |
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Fri |
04/30/2021 |
Application or Presentation or African Ethics -- Handout Part II. |
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Mon |
05/03/2021 |
Application or Presentation or African Ethics -- Handout Part III. |
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Wed |
05/05/2021 |
Review. |
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Fri |
05/07/2021 |
Epilogue & Term Paper Due. |
Calculation of Final Grades: Mid-term grade will be determined by a mid-term exam and semester grade determined by final examination (30%), midterm exam (30%), term paper comparing and evaluating any three of the readings listed on the syllabus, not just from the textbook, and applying those readings to a current event that took place this year (15%), Canvas homework (10%), and class participation/presentation (15%) minus absences or lack of attendance and/or poor participation -- unless stated otherwise on supplementary details. Unless you officially withdraw or formally request an incomplete (in writing) and submit appropriate documentation before the end of the semester, you will receive a passing or failing grade based on performance and attendance. There is no makeup for classwork, quizzes, or extra-credit. Class participation/presentation is the extent to which a student is (perceived by the instructor as being) involved in class discussion of readings and application (not the same as attendance). See instructor for paper guidelines and due-date.
Grading Scale: A=100-93, B=92-82, C=81-72, D=71-60, F=59-0 or for difficult exams A=100-80%, B=70-60%, C=50-40%, D=30-20%, F=10-0%. (+/- determined by curve.) Note: Each unauthorized use of an electronic device in class -- including the use of a mobile or cell phone -- may count as an absence or, in the case of class exercises (such as exams, tests and quizzes), an act of academic dishonesty (cheating) and sanctioned appropriately. It may result in failure in a project or course.
Class/Course Website: kwame.50webs.com/ or http://kwame.atspace.com/ or http://kwame.byethost22.com or https://philosophydepartment.tripod.com/ or see Canvas: https://lincolnu.instructure.com/ To check your grade on the computer or internet, go to any one of the websites listed above and follow the instructions there. Note that some of the websites may be down and not updated.
YOU MAY ASK FOR AN ABSENCE AND EXCUSES FORM
Use the Absence and Excuses Form to indicate which absences you want to be excused and why. (Attach the proper documentation to this form and submit at the end of semester.)
ABSENCE AND EXCUSES FORM
Which absences do you want to be excused and why?
(Attach the proper documentation to this form and submit at the end of semester.)
Name: _________________________________ Class: ________________________________
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