Introduction to Ethics

Fox, Richard M. Moral Reasoning: A Philosophical Approach
to Applied Ethics 2^nd ed. New York: Harcourt, 2001.

In the broadest sense, ethics involves the study of moral philosophy, inquiring into questions about what kind of life people ought to live, including such general concerns as:

• how should I live?
• what should I value?
• what sort of actions should I take (or not take) ?
• what sort of person should I be?
  
• what sort of goals should I (or should I not) aim to achieve?

• What is an ethical theory, and how can such theories be evaluated?
  
• What are the major ethical theories?
  
• Are ethical standards objective or subjective?
  
• On what does morality depend: rules? virtue? human nature? religion? relativistic cultural norms?
  
• Is it rational to act morally?
  
• Is morality compatible with self-interest?

Ethics

To understand the importance of moral philosophy and ethical choices and distinctions in life.

Objective: Through reading, writing, and discussing ethical issues and problems, the student will gain a greater understanding of ethical theories, morality, and the consequences of moral choices, and apply ethical analysis to real-world situations and problems.

To embrace the spirit of philosophy, which implies embracing the meaning of philosophy, "the love of wisdom."

Objective: By confrontiing, analyzing, and evaluating ethical ideas, issues, and problems, the student will gain a greater appreciation of not only the value of philosophical understanding as a means to wisdom, but also of wisdom as an end in itself and a satisfying life goal.

To understand that philosophy is a skill which can be improved, a method of careful observation, investigation, questioning and analysis, a habit of mind.

Objective: The student will not only read and become familiar with ideas from the canon of ethics and moral philosophy, but also will practice the skill of philosophy through subjecting those ideas to systematic critical analysis and evaluation.

To develop and practice the habit of close and careful reading of philosophical texts.

Objective: The student will read and systematically analyze and discuss a series of primary and secondary texts from and about the canon of ethics and moral philosophy from its beginnings to the present.

To practice and develop higher-order thinking skills through the analysis and evaluation of ethical theories, issues, and problems.

Objective: Through systematic reading, writing, and discussion assignments about ethics, the student will practice analytical, critical, and evaluative thinking skills.

To practice effective communication skills through individual and group discussions about ethical ideas, issues, and problems.

Objective: The student will participate effectively in individual and group discussions, and a formal oral presentation, about ethics and moral philosophy.

To develop effective information-gathering and research skills.

Objective: The student will conduct library and online research to support both oral and written assignments about ethics and moral philosophy.

To practice analytical and critical writing skills.

Objective: The student will regularly produce writing on works and issues in ethics, including three essay tests, a formal research essay, and several structured discussion guides on specific philosophical topics and issues.

To develop familiarity with some of the most significant ideas about ethics and moral philosophy that have been thought and written in humanity's past.

Objective: By becoming familiar with some of the best that has been thought and written in the history of ethics, the student will gain more understanding of the origins of ideas and how today's influential ethical theories came to be.

To develop some familiarity with the social, political, and cultural background in which philosophy has been practiced.

Objective: The student will become familiar with some of the best that has been thought and written in the history of philosophy, and will examine and discuss philosophical works within the context of the social, political, and cultural background in which they were written.

To better understand the universality of ethical issues and problems.

Objective: Through the study of ethics and moral philosophy, the student will examine and analyze human knowledge, ideas and experience as a means to better understand the world, other people, and the human condition.

To recognize that the study of ethics is an undertaking relevant to one's life, a means to better understand ourselves, our values, what we believe about right and wrong and why we believe it, our experience, and our actions.

Objective: Through the study of ethics, the student will examine and analyze human knowledge, ideas and experience as a means to better understand their own experience, their own ethical choices, and, ultimately, themselves.

PHL 21000 Introduction to Ethics consists of three distinct content and activity "tracks":

Track One consists of a weekly schedule of assigned readings and discussion about major ethical philosophers, their works, and the issues they address.

Track Two involves weekly sessions in informal logic and critical reasoning, an "introduction to effective thinking."

Track Three provides weekly small-group and full-class discussion sessions focused on significant ethical issues, problems, and cases.

Most class sessions will address each of these tracks.

50% Tests (2)
20% Teaching Presentation
20% Term Essay
10% Discussion, Participation, Attendance

VII. Due Dates, Attendance & Participation

Class attendance is expected; a record of poor or marginal attendance will lower a final grade substantially more than 10%. Attendance on LTD days is especially important, as other students (and the instructor) are depending on your presence! Be aware of all due dates listed in the course calendar (and any calendar changes announced in class). All assignments are due in class on the due date. An assignment handed in after the class period is a late assignment. In general, a first late assignment will be accepted and graded down; a second late assignment will not be accepted.

A few words about academic honesty: All members of the Kirtland community share the responsibility for maintaining standards of academic honesty. This principle is a cornerstone of the development and acquisition of knowledge, and a condition of continued membership in the college community. Academic dishonesty, like other forms of dishonesty, is misrepresentation with intent to deceive or without regard to the source or the accuracy of statements or findings. Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the college; it is, furthermore, unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly.

In English courses, particularly, a cardinal principle of honesty must always be observed:

Students must never plagiarize. That is, they must never submit the work of another person as if it were their own. In practical terms, this means:

1. Students must never submit a paper written by another person.

2. Students must never incorporate the ideas of others into their own writing--whether quoted, paraphrased, or summarized--without properly documenting them.

KCC's Official Statement on Ethical Conduct

This instructor requires the highest level of honesty, integrity and professionalism from everyone all the time. Any infraction will be dealt with in a strict manner the first time. No excuses will be accepted, no second chances given. It is expected that all students have read the student policy and procedure handbook and understand it. Student rights, responsibilities and regulations are also published in the college catalog.

Simply stated, DO YOUR OWN WORK. If you choose to help another student, it is your responsibility to provide real help. Do not just give them answers or show them your work or loan them your work. This would constitute academic dishonesty.

If for some reason you have a question or due to special circumstances are unsure of the right thing to do, it is your responsibility to contact your instructor and ask before you act.

Ethical Conduct, Kirtland Community College, 2000

If you are a member of the Kirtland Honors Program, you may elect to take PHL-21000 with an Honors Option, which means that you may earn three honors credits, instead of regular credits, for this course if you complete the work of a special "honors track." This will consist of one extra contact hour per week in the form of additional assignments or individual or small-group sessions with the instructor and other honors-option students. Note: If you are not already registered for this option but would like to, you must do so during the first week of the course. Please see the instructor immediately for further details.