Course Prerequisites: No prerequisites.

Transcription

1 HON Spring 2010 HON 294: Kantian Ethics Classes: TTH 10:15 11:30AM 344 Withers Hall Instructor: Professor Marina F. Bykova Office: 451 Withers Hall Phone: Instructor Web page: Office hours: TTH 1:15-2:15 PM or by appointment, ending on the last day of classes, Apr. 30, 2010 Course web site at Syllabus Course Description The course will explore the ethical theory of Immanuel Kant, the greatest philosopher to live and write since the ancient times of Plato and Aristotle. Kant made meaningful contributions to such fields as cosmology, metaphysics, and theory of knowledge. He also wrote profound, powerful, and deeply moving books on the problems of morality developing one of the most influential ethical theories in modern and contemporary moral philosophy. Kant provided impressive formulations of the most fundamental principle of morality; he offered a stirring image of the possibility of deriving rules for human conduct from the value of human freedom and autonomy itself that does not depend on a theological view of the world. Kant s moral philosophy can be regarded as the paradigmatic expression of the ideals of the European Enlightenment, ideals that many regard as having been irremediably undermined by the gloomy history of the twentieth century, but which are probably better regarded as not yet having had a real chance to prove themselves. Kant saw a fundamental conflict between the scientific explanation of natural events, which emphasized their subordination to causal laws, and the moral assumption that we are free to choose our actions and hence morally responsible for what we do. How can we demand that a person resist temptation and hold to the moral law if every action is merely another causally determined event in the universal natural order? How can we conceive of persons as free, responsible beings and yet also acknowledge their place in the system of events and objects studied by science? Equally important to Kant, how can we prove, absolutely and without the slightest room for doubt or uncertainty, that the fundamental moral beliefs shared by all right-thinking persons are true, and not merely public opinion? The course will concentrate on Kant s ideas about how to handle these two problems and discuss his proof of the fundamental principles of ethics. We will study Kant s moral philosophy, based primarily on the Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals (1785), with the aid of the Critique of Practical Reason (1788), and The Metaphysics of Morals (1797). In addition, we will consider some practical applications of Kant s moral philosophy. We will read and discuss his essay To Perpetual Peace (1795), where Kant lays down his highly complex political theory and formulates the task of pursuing peace among nations as one of the ends of moral and political action. We will also read some secondary literature on Kant s ethics and political theory and discuss different moral and political philosophy issues through the lens of Kantian ethical theory. Course Restrictions: Restricted to University Honors Program students; other students admitted with permission of the instructor and the University Honors Program. Course Prerequisites: No prerequisites.

2 GER Student Learning Outcomes Correlated with GER Objectives: Students completed this course will demonstrate ability to: 1. Discuss and recognize the significance of the main moral issues how they were formulated in Kant and in European thought of the 18 th century in general. 2. Build an integrated understanding of moral philosophy through the lens of a single ethical theory. 3. Be familiar with some of the enduring moral questions, such as What should I do? What can I hope? What is good and what is wrong? What are the universal moral principles and whether I should follow them?, and have some knowledge of the variety of approaches to ethical issues. 4. Discuss the rights and obligations of one sovereign nation in relation to others. 5. Recognize the task of pursuing enduring peace among nations as one of the most important moral and political duties of mankind. 6. Learn think critically through analyzing and responding to philosophical arguments. 7. Develop skills in reading primary philosophical texts and in writing scholarly papers. 8. Be able to express a reasoned philosophical position both orally and in writing. Required Works: Immanuel Kant, Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals. Translated and edited by Mary Gregor, Cambridge University Press, 1998 (reprinted in 1999, 2000, 2001). ISBN Immanuel Kant, To Perpetual Peace. A Philosophical Sketch. Translated by Ted Humphrey, Hackett Publishing, ISBN ; Books should be available at the NCSU Bookstore. Immanuel Kant, The Metaphysics of Morals. Translated and edited by Mary Gregor, Cambridge University Press, 1996 (reprinted in 1998, 2000, 2003). ISBN (Please note: In this course, we will be reading and discussing only the Doctrine of the elements of ethics (pp ). The text of this chapter is put on e-reserve and should be available on-line.) James Rachel, Elements of Moral Philosophy, NY, McGraw Hill, Chapter 9, pp ; chapter 10, pp The full text of both chapters is available on e-reserve. All reserve texts can be found at - search under HON 294. Recommended Works (optional): Immanuel Kant, Critique of Practical Reason. Translated and edited by Mary Gregor, Cambridge University Press, 1997 (reprinted in 1999, 2001). ISBN Immanuel Kant, Perpetual Peace and Other Essays on Politics, History, and Morals. Translated by Ted Humphrey. Hackett Publishing, ISBN ; Thomas E. Hill Jr., Respect, Pluralism, and Justice. Kantian Perspectives, Oxford University Press, ISBN Allen Wood, Kant s Ethical Thought, Cambridge University Press, ISBN: X Paul Guyer (ed.), Kant s Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals, Rowman&Littlefield Publishers, INC., ISBN-13: [A collection of essays written by Barbara Herman, Paul Guyer, Thomas Hill Jr., and other distinguished authors.] Barbara Herman, The Practice of Moral Judgment. Cambridge: Harvard University Press, ISBN Onora O Neill, Constructions of Reason: Explorations of Kant s Practical Philosophy. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, ISBN: John Rawls, Lectures on the History of Moral Philosophy. Cambridge: Harvard University Press, ISBN: [A collection of lectures edited by Barbara Herman. It consists of an introduction on modern moral philosophy from as well as lectures on Hume, Leibniz, Kant, and Hegel.] Paul Guyer (ed.), The Cambridge Companion to Kant. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, ISBN-13:

3 Paul Guyer (ed.), The Cambridge Companion to Kant and Modern Philosophy. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, ISBN: L. Pasternak (ed.), Immanuel Kant: Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals in Focus. Routledge, ISBN-13: [Essentially a guide to Kant s Groundwork, along with the complete H. J. Paton translation of the work, and a selection of six of the best contemporary commentaries.] Philip Stratton-Lake, Kant, Duty and Moral Worth. Routledge, [Available on-line at WyvJ9T2xJTQkwNb! ?a=o&d= ] C. Korsgaard, Creating The Kingdom of Ends. Cambridge University Press, ISBN-13: Katrin Flikschuh, Kant and Modern Political Philosophy, Cambridge University Press, ISBN-13: Thomas E. Hill Jr. (ed.), The Blackwell Guide to Kant s Ethics, Oxford: Blackwell, Print ISBN: Online ISBN: [Available on-line at Course requirements: The course requirements include attendance and in-class discussion participation, midterm exam, seminar presentation, writing a critical summary of a scholarly article, book review, three short response papers, and a research paper. The midterm exam will be in-class examination to test comprehension of key philosophical concepts and ideas of Kant s ethics. The date of the midterm is noted on the schedule below. There may also be occasional in-class pop-quizzes to help students check on their understanding of important material. Performance on these quizzes will not influence grades except in the case of students on borderlines who will benefit from a pop-quiz result taken into account. Response papers will be 1-2 page answers to questions distributed in the previous class, and will draw on readings and in-class discussions. Although you should be sure to engage the arguments and ideas found in classroom discussion and the related readings, response papers should involve a critical analysis of the issues that go beyond these. Critical summary of an article: Write a word critical summary of a scholarly article on any of the aspects of Kant s ethics. The detailed guidelines on how to write a critical summary are posted on my web site (see the appropriate link on the course website). Due: Thursday, February 11, Book review: Choose a scholarly book on Kant s ethics or its applications to his political philosophy and write a 1,000 word review of the book telling your reader what the main argument of the book, how the book s content, format, and structure support that argument, and whether you think the book is successful or not. Due: Thursday, April 8, For both book summary and article review you may search a database and find a source on your own or use books and paper collections suggested by the instructor. (See the list of recommended (optional) texts above.) Seminar Presentation: Every enrolled student is required to present a paper to the seminar. It should be a presentation about a research project that a student is working on. The paper should be about 20 minutes in presentation time. It should discuss the issue under study, the sources used, the approach taken, and the conclusions (however tentative) reached. An outline or handout must be prepared for distribution to all participants at the seminar at which it will be presented. Discussion will follow. Research paper (10-12 double-space pages) is the major outcome of this class. The research paper should be on a specific aspect of Kant s ethical or political thoughts, or exploration and critique of some commentary on Kant. The topic of the research paper is to be chosen by the student with the advice and consent of the instructor. If, however, you are not sure what topic to choose, I may suggest possible topics. The paper topic should be chosen and turned in (sending an is fine) by Thursday, February 4, Your article 3

4 summary and book review may all be used as supporting materials, but the project itself must be the product of substantial additional research. It should not be a rehash of something we have done in class, although it could take significantly further some issue that arose in class. It should not simply be a report of facts, some real or imaginary case or the thoughts of other people. You should grapple with the issues. Research papers are due by 11 a.m. at the day set for the final examination, which falls on Tuesday, May 11, Guidelines for reading philosophy, writing philosophy papers, and giving a presentation are to be found on my web page under the address given above. Grades: All the required assignments will be graded on a standard A-F scale with assigning the appropriate points. Critical summary of an article 5% Book review 10% Three short response papers (total) 20% Research paper 25% Seminar presentation 10% Midterm exam 20% Class participation 10% Your final grade will also be determined by the quality of your in-class discussion participation (10% of the final grade). At the end of the semester your total points will be linked with the A +/- grading system. The following scale is used throughout the course: A+ 96+ B C D A B C D A B C F 0-45 General Course Policies Policy on Attendance and Participation: Attendance is expected and necessary for success. Attendance will affect your course grade as part of your class participation grade. I will excuse a small number of absences under certain special conditions. Whether an absence is excused or not, you are responsible for everything that went on during the class session - this includes announcements. Missed information should be obtained from other members of the class who were present the day in question. NCSU policy on attendance, including what constitutes an 'Excused Absence,' is to find at the following link: In order for the seminar to work, everyone must participate in good faith and fun. I expect you to compliment attendance with insightful comments in class as well as engaged presence in class discussions. Active participation in discussions and marked improvement in your written work will weigh in your favor. I will be holding my regular office hours. If your schedule conflicts with them, let me know so that we can set up an appointment at a mutually convenient time. Please understand that the office hours are for you to use. I am always willing to talk to you, explain things in greater detail than is possible in class, and help you in any other way. Reading and homework In our in class discussions, we will be moving at a brisk and ever-increasing pace. In order to be able to participate in discussions in full, it is absolutely essential for you to study the readings very carefully and prior to the class for which they are assigned, trying to understand every single step. If you do not do your 4

5 reading, class will be painful, if you do, it will be fun. As an incentive to do the assigned readings, there are response papers, consisting of answering the questions on the readings and class discussions. Policy on Late Work No late work will be accepted, and no extensions will be granted, without sufficient, legitimate, documented excuse. If you have a dire emergency, illness, important business trip or significant lingering technical problem you should request special permission for an extension prior to the day the assignment is due. Informing me after the assignment due date is unacceptable unless you have an extremely serious situation, like an emergency hospitalization. Policy on Credit Only: In order to receive a grade of S, students are required to take all exams and quizzes, complete all assignments, and earn a grade of C- or better. Conversion from letter grading to credit only (S/U) grading is subject to university deadlines. Refer to the Registration and Records calendar for deadlines related to grading. For more details refer to Policy on Incomplete: As stated by the university grading policy, "An IN must not be used...as a substitute for an F when the student's performance in the course is deserving of failing. An IN is only appropriate when the student's record in the course is such that the successful completion of particular assignments, projects, or tests missed as a result of a documented serious event would enable that student to pass the course." In this class, a grade of "IN" will only be given (1) in response to a written student request [ is fine] submitted to me before 4:00 on the last day of classes; (2) at my discretion; and (3) because of a serious interruption a student's work not caused by his/her own negligence. The university's policy on incompletes can be found at Student Conduct: The instructor acknowledges the existence of the University policy on academic integrity found in the Code of Student Conduct Policy ( POL ) and expects students to adhere to it. The Code of Student Conduct Policy is available at You should feel free to study and work with other students outside class. But academic dishonesty will not be tolerated. Homework and test assignments, as well as all other writing products, submitted for grading must be the product of the student submitting the work. The Honor Pledge ("I have neither given nor received unauthorized aid on this test or assignment.") must be signed on each test or assignment. All students have to practice academic integrity throughout the course. Any evidence of academic dishonesty (cheating, plagiarism, etc.) will be pursued diligently. Disability Policy: Reasonable accommodations will be made for students with verifiable disabilities. In order to take advantage of available accommodations, students must register with Disability Services Office ( located at 1900 Student Health Center, Campus Box For more information on NC State's policy on working with students with disabilities, please see the Academic Accommodations for Students with Disabilities Regulation at Course Equity: NC State University provides equality of opportunity in education and employment for all students and employees. Accordingly, NC State affirms its commitment to maintain a work environment for all employees and an academic environment for all students that Is free from all forms of discrimination. Discrimination based on race, color, religion. creed, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status. or sexual orientation is a violation of state and federal law and/or NC State University policy and will not be tolerated. Harassment of any person (either in the form of quid pro quo or creation of a hostile environment) based on race, color, religion, creed, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or 5

6 sexual orientation also is a violation of state and federal law and/or NC State University policy and will not be tolerated. Retaliation against any person who complains about discrimination is also prohibited. NC State's policies and regulations covering discrimination, harassment, and retaliation may be accessed at or Any person who feels that he or she has been the subject of prohibited discrimination, harassment, or retaliation should contact the Office for Equal Opportunity (OEO) at Tentative Schedule of Topics and Readings: The reading schedule is approximate and may be adjusted. However, the midterm exam date as well as the due dates for your critical summaries, book reviews, and research papers are fixed and will not change. The response paper topics and dates will be announced in class well before they are due. WEEK 1: January 11 January 15 Introduction to course, materials, syllabus, themes of the course Introduction: Kant s Moral Philosophy Ethics as a philosophical discipline Deontological ethics vs. Utilitarianism Readings: WEEK 2: January 18 January 22 (Mon, 1/18/10 Univ. Holiday) Introduction: Kant s Moral Philosophy Kantian philosophical heritage Kant s ethical project Readings: Introduction to the Groundwork, pp. vii-ix, xxxi-xxxvi Lecture Notes Introduction to the Groundwork, pp. vii-ix, xxxi-xxxvi. Rachel, Chapter 9 (pp ); Lecture Notes WEEK 3: January 25 January 29 Introduction Kant s project of the Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals Readings: Kant, Groundwork, Preface, pp. 1-6 (4: ) Introduction to the Groundwork, pp. ix-xi Optional readings: Wood, Introduction, pp Rawls, Kant Lecture I Groundwork: Preface and Part I WEEK 4 and 5: February 1 February 12 The Argument of Groundwork I Kant s Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals, Section 1: Transition from common rational to philosophic moral cognition Readings: Kant, Groundwork, Section 1, pp (4: ) Introduction to the Groundwork, pp. xi-xv. Optional readings: Thu, 2/4/10 Research Paper Topic Due Guyer, Part II: The Good Will and the Categorical Imperative (Groundwork I) Wood, Metaphysical Foundations (part ) Rawls, Kant Lecture I Groundwork: Preface and Part I WEEKS 6 and 7: February 15 February 26 Maxims and Imperatives Kant s Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals, Section 2: Transition from popular moral philosophy to metaphysics of morals Readings: Kant, Groundwork, Section 2, pp (4: ) 6

7 26) Optional readings: Kant, Critique of Practical Reason, Analytic, Chapter I, pp (5:19- Introduction to the Groundwork, pp. xv-xvii Rachel, Chapter 9 (pp ) Guyer, Part III: The Categorical Imperative and Its Formulations (Groundwork II): Guyer, The Possibility of the Categorical Imperative, p Thu, 2/11/10 Critical Summary Due WEEK 8: March 1 March 5 The Formula of Universal Law and The Formula of Humanity Kant s Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals, Section 2: Transition from popular moral philosophy to metaphysics of morals Readings: Kant, Groundwork, Section 2, pp (4: ), pp (4: ) Kant, Critique of Practical Reason, Analytic, Chapter I, pp (5:27-33); Chapter II, pp (5:57-68), (5:67-72) Kant, The Metaphysics of Morals, pp (6: ), on e-reserve Introduction to the Groundwork, pp. xvii-xxi, xxi-xxiii Rachel, Chapter 9 (pp ) Optional readings: Rawls, Kant Lecture II The Categorical Imperative: The First Formulation Rawls, Kant Lecture III The Categorical Imperative: The Second Formulation Rawls, Kant Lecture IV The Categorical Imperative: The Third Formulation Guyer, Part III: The Categorical Imperative and Its Formulations (Groundwork II) Wood, Humanity as End in Itself, p Herman, Mutual Aid and Respect for Persons, p Guyer, The Possibility of the Categorical Imperative, p WEEK 9: March 8 March 12 The Foundation of Morality Kant s Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals, Section 3: Transition from metaphysics of morals to the critique of pure practical reason Readings: Kant, Groundwork, Section 3, pp (4: ) Mon, 3/15/10 Fr, 3/19/10 SPRING BREAK WEEKS 10: March 22 March 26 The Foundation of Morality Kant s Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals, Section 3: Transition from metaphysics of morals to the critique of pure practical reason Kant s Moral Philosophy: summary Kantian concept of Respect for Humanity 7

8 Readings: Kant, Groundwork, Section 3, pp (4: ) Kant, Critique of Practical Reason, Preface, Introduction, pp (5:3-16) Introduction to the Groundwork, pp. xxiii-xxx Rachel, Chapter 9 (pp ); Chapter 10 (pp ). Optional readings: Guyer, Part IV: The Categorical Imperative and the Freedom of the Will (Groundwork III): Hill, Kant s Argument for the Rationality of Moral Conduct, p Allison, Morality and Freedom: Kant s Reciprocity Thesis, p Hill, Respect, Pluralism, and Justice, pp Rawls, Kant Lecture VIII The Moral Law as the Law of Freedom Thu, 3/25/10 Midterm Exam WEEKS 11-13_ March 29 April 16 (Thu 4/1 - Fr, 4/2/10 Univ. Holiday) The Conditions of Perpetual Peace among Nations Kant s To Perpetual Peace and its significance for political theory of 18 th Century General discussions and student seminar presentations (with comments) Readings: Kant, To Perpetual Peace, Sections 1-2, Supplements, pp ( ) Optional reading: Flikschuh, Kant and Modern Political Philosophy. Hill, Respect, Pluralism, and Justice. Thu, 4/8/10 Book Review Due WEEK 14: April 19 April 23 On Disagreement of Morality and Politics Kant s To Perpetual Peace and relations about morals and politics General discussions and student seminar presentations Readings: Kant, To Perpetual Peace, Appendix, pp ( ) Optional reading: Flikschuh, Kant and Modern Political Philosophy. Hill, Respect, Pluralism, and Justice. WEEK 15: April 26 April 30 Course Overview General discussions and student seminar presentations Thu, 5/11/10 Research Paper Due 8