WACO, TEXAS COURSE SYLLABUS AND INSTRUCTOR PLAN Ethics PHIL-2306-02 Shannon Holzer Spring 2012
Course Description: CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION: Analyzes the basic principles and methods of evaluating human conduct, including critical examination of both classical and contemporary ethical theories, with emphasis upon their application to personal decision making and contemporary moral issues. Semester Hours 3 Instructor Information: Instructor Name: Shannon Holzer MCC E-mail: sholzer@mclennan.edu Office Phone Number: 254-299-8973 Office Location: AS 213 Office/Teacher Conference Hours: Tuesday/Thursday 8:00 a.m.- 8:0 a.m. Required Text & Materials: I will upload your reading material onto blackboard. These are all works that are public domain. I do this so that you will not have to spend money on reading that you can get for free. However, I know that some people really enjoy having a textbook. If this is you, let me know and I will refer you to an anthology that has all of our readings. This text costs over $100. Course Objectives and/or Competencies: Course Objectives: The goal of this class is a modest one. I will endeavor to introduction the student to the major ethical theories that are employed in ethical decision making. The student will also become familiar with ethical issues that are currently being debated and what the relevant philosophical issues are within those debates. I will also expect the students to be able apply these ethical theories to these contemporary ethical issues and remain consistent within each of the ethical theories. A Word of Warning: Philosophy and Ethics touch on some very sensitive subjects, and I have a teaching method that can sometimes arouse some feelings. I want to assure you that I care deeply for my students, and do not ever mean to hurt any feelings. However, the nature of the class requires me to bring up certain hot topics. I do not teach like other professors and I do so intentionally. At first, the class will seem to go in circles. However, you will catch on to what I am doing, and realize that I am walking you through the philosophical process. I will try to make it as painless as possible. I want you to enjoy the process. 2
Course Outline or Schedule: What Ethics Studies Philosophical Starting Points Metaphysics and Epistemology The Application of Ethics Philosophical Starting Points Naturalism and Ethics The Nature of Ethics The Application of Ethics Empiricism and Ethics Empirical Verification of Ethics Knowledge of the Good Realism and Ethics The Nature of Ethics The application of Ethics Rationalism and Ethics Rational Awareness of Ethics Knowledge of the Good 3
Ethical Theories Ethical Theories Consistent with Naturalism Relativism Ethical Egoism Behaviorism Situation Ethics Ethical Theories Consistent with Realism Deontology Virtue Ethics Divine Command Natural Law Ethical Issues Justice and Governments Justice vs. Tyranny Forms of Government Monarch vs. Tyrant Aristocracy vs. Oligarchy Polity vs. Democracy Rights and Obligations Philosophy of Law Positive Law Natural Law 4
Crime and Punishment Corporal Punishment Capital Punishment War and Peace Pacifism Passive Resistance Gandhi Martin Luther King Jr. Just War Theory Jus ad Bellum The Justice of War Jus en Bella Justice in War Examples of Just War Bioethics Abortion Stem Cell Research Euthanasia Cloning Human Engineering Eugenics 5
Sexual Ethics Pornography Homosexuality Polygamy Pedophilia Bestiality Necrophilia Business Ethics Fair Trade Distributive Justice Labor Laws and Unions International Business Fair Hiring Practices Discrimination Sexual Harassment Course Grading Information: Grading: Grading will consist of three major tests, four minor quizzes, attendance, and participation. This turns out to be nine grades that will be entered into blackboard. The values are as follows: Minor quizzes 5 pts x 4 = 20% Test 1 10% Test 2 20% Test 3 30% Attendance/ Participation 20% The subjects studied in this course are very difficult at first. However, by showing up and paying attention you will learn much. Moreover, you will enjoy yourself. 6
Late Work, Attendance, and Make Up Work Policies: I reserve the right to refuse any late work. If I decide to take in late work, then I will do so on a case by case basis. Student Behavioral Expectations or Conduct Policy: The great majority of college students understand the need for civility toward others. Most students routinely exhibit such behavior, and expect their classrooms to be free from unwanted distractions. So please be assured that significant or chronic disruptive behaviors will not be tolerated in this class. (For example: abusive language, eating, sleeping, chatting, cell phone use, bringing children or other guests, packing up backpacks before class is over, etc.) If you have a medical problem or other special need, please talk with me privately. If you have a special need to be available by paging, please discuss it with me. MCC Academic Integrity Statement: The Center for Academic Integrity, of which McLennan Community College is a member, defines academic integrity as a commitment, even in the face of adversity, to five fundamental values: honesty, trust, fairness, respect, and responsibility. From these values flow principles of behavior that enable academic communities to translate ideals into action. Individual faculty members determine their class policies and behavioral expectations for students. Students who commit violations of academic integrity should expect serious consequences. For further information about student responsibilities and rights, please consult the McLennan website and your Highlander Student Guide. MCC Attendance Policy: Regular and punctual attendance is expected of all students, and each instructor will maintain a complete record of attendance for the entire length of each course, including online and hybrid courses. Students will be counted absent from class meetings missed, beginning with the first official day of classes. Students, whether present or absent, are responsible for all material presented or assigned for a course and will be held accountable for such materials in the determination of course grades. Please refer to the Highlander Guide for the complete policy. 7
ADA Statement: In accordance with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the regulations published by the United States Department of Justice 28 C.F.R. 35.107(a), MCC s designated ADA co-coordinators, Mr. Gene Gooch - Vice President, Finance and Administration and Dr. Santos Martinez Vice President, Student Services shall be responsible for coordinating the College s efforts to comply with and carry out its responsibilities under ADA. Students with disabilities requiring physical, classroom, or testing accommodations should contact Ms. Renee Jacinto, Disabilities Specialist, at 299-8122 or rrjacinto@mclennan.edu. 8