Ethics Syllabus: Philosophy 102 Rev. Michael B. Sullivan, CSC
Fall 2005 Office hours:
Mon/Wed: 11:30-2:00/3:15-4:00
Tue/Thu: 2:30-3:30
Phone 239 - 8419
I. Course description, goals, objectives
The primary purpose of this course is to achieve an understanding of fundamental moral concepts such as the bases and limitations of human conduct, good and evil actions, norms of morality, law, freedom, and responsibility. It will investigate the relation between thought and action in light of influential ethical theories of classical, medieval, and modern writers.
In addition to these larger themes, the course will examine selected moral issues dealing with areas of sexuality, life and death, business, education, justice, liberty, and war and peace.
Although this is an introductory course to Ethics, the student, besides acquiring a general knowledge of moral principles and problems, will by carefully analyzing and evaluating contemporary moral and social issues prepared for class discussion, develop an ability to accurately and critically read, make judgments, draw conclusions, and interpret these, and clearly, concisely and cogently discuss and, periodically, express in writing their findings and insights.
The material to be covered in the semester will include: premarital and extramarital sexuality, abortion, suicide, genetic engineering, advertising, governmental regulations, public strikes, intercollegiate athletics, education, civil punishment, freedom of expression and action, civil disobedience, the draft, foreign aid, the prevention of war.
II Required texts
The required text for the course is Known From The Things That Are by Martin O'Keefe. It will be referred to in the syllabus as T.
Supplemental readings will be provided from the book, Great Ideas From The Great Books, by Mortimer Adler. It will be referred to in the syllabus as S.
III. Course grades and requirements
The final grade for the course will be calculated on the basis of scores derived from the following areas:
1) twenty five quizzes (2 % each) given on an almost daily basis and which will be formulated from readings assigned for that day and the lecture given in the previous class.
2) two short papers(10% each). See below for further elaboration.
3) daily(25) one page resumes(1/10% each) analyzing summarizing, critiquing, and drawing conclusions based on evidence from primary sources taken from daily reading assignments and materials given in class.
4) two exams(10% each).
5) one final exam(10%) as scheduled by the College.
Refer to the Student Handbook for letter grades and their numerical equivalents.
The papers will be four page essays on assigned topics related to course material.
Source material for essays can include scholarly books and articles from scholarly journals and periodicals. The bibliography for each essay must contain at least three sources, primary or secondary, from published books
Depth and quality of thought, expression, and research will be among the chief factors in determining the grade of these essays, together with spelling, grammar, punctuation, and neatness. If possible, papers should be typed.
Papers must be turned in on due dates or earlier unless explicit exemption has been obtained from the professor. Failure to submit papers on time will result in grade reduction by half a letter grade per day.
Papers submitted a week or more late without an extension given by the professor will receive an F grade.
It is strongly recommended that every student make an appointment with the professor after the first paper has been graded and returned and before the next one is due so as to discuss the merits of the first and the means for improving the second essay.
Essay topics and due dates: all topics presuppose a reading and thorough acquaintance with the book by Mortimer Adler, Desires Right and Wrong: The Ethics of Enough.
Essay one: due class 13
Topic: The nature of happiness and three of its components according to Mortimer Adler
Essay two: due class 25
Topic: Show how from Adler’s perspective why the physical bullying of another would be an example of an ethically right or wrong action.
IV.Class attendance/withdrawal
Students are expected to attend all classes: daily quizzes (2 points each) will be administered at the beginning of virtually every class.
No make-up quizzes will be provided for those who are absent from class or who miss the quiz because of tardiness.
Unless explicit permission is given by the professor early departures from class will be counted as an absence
Exemptions from the final exam will be granted to 2 categories of students:
1) those with perfect attendance records(zero absences);
2) those with A- averages(90+) at the end of the semester and not more than two class absences.
V. Academic honesty policy
Holy Cross College expects honesty from all students in their
academic work. Refer to the student handbook for information
regarding the college’s academic honesty policy
VI. Syllabus
The schedule of classes, assignments, papers, and test due dates
follows in subsequent pages.
Syllabus: All assignments are listed for the due date.
Class Due Assignment
1. 08/22 M Introduction
2. 08/24 W T vii-10:Philosophy and Ethics
S 3:Philosophy
3. 08/29 M T 11-17:Imputable and Non Imputable Acts
S 55: The Nature of the Soul
4. 08/31 W T 17-23:Intellect
S 56:The Problem of Immortality
5. 09/05 M T 23-30:Will
S 93:The Meaning of Freedom
6. 09/07 W T 31-37:Characteristics of Imputable Acts
S 46:The Formation of Habits
7. 09/12 M T 37-49:Factors of Voluntariness
S 37:The Conflict between Reason and Emotion
8. 09/14 W T 51-70:Double Effect Principle/Scandal and…
S 29:Ends and Means
9. 09/19 M T 71-89: Extrinsic and Intrinsic Theories of Morality
S 24:Doing Our Duty
10. 09/21 W EXAM I
11. 09/26 M T 91-96:The Norms of Morality
S 22: The Pursuit of Happiness
12. 09/28 W T 96-119:God's Existence
S 53:Proofs of God's Existence
13. 10/03 M T 121-132:Norms of Morality: Conscience and Nature
S 25:What Is Conscience
PAPER DUE TODAY
14. 10/05 W T 132-141:Norms of Morality: Human Nature
S 68:What About Conformity?
15. 10/10 M T 143-153:Law
S 17:The Nature and Kinds of Laws
16. 10/12 W T 154-170:Positive Law and Sanctions
S 70: The Purpose of Punishment
17. 10/24 M T 171-178:Suicide, Murder, Euthanasia
S 35: The Dignity of Man
18. 10/26 W T 178-194:Abortion and Self Defense
S 67 The Population Explosion
19. 10/31 M T 195-202:Health Care/ S 75
The Treatment of the Aged
20. 11/02 W T 202-213:Risks to Health
S 39 The Use of Free Time
21. 11/07 M EXAM II
22. 11/09 W T 215-227 Marriage
S 72 The Historic Role of the Family
23. 11/14 M T 227-235 Sex
S 74 The Rearing of Children
24. 11/16 W T 237-250 Right and Duties
S 10 The Individual and the Community
25. 11/21 M T 250-260 The State and Citizenship
S 11 The Role of the Citizen
PAPER DUE TODAY
26. 11/28 M T 261-272 Work and Education
S 43 Wisdom as the Goal of Liberal Education
27. 11/30 W T 272-285 Truthfulness and Confidentiality
S 33 The Demands of Loyalty
28. 12/05 M T 287-309 Environment, International Justice and War
S 20/19 Can War Be AbolishedThe Nature of War and Peace
29 12/07 W T 311-331 Humans and God
S 88 The Purpose of Life
FINAL EXAM AS SCHEDULED BY THE COLLEGE