Philosophy 1100: Introduction to Ethics

Fall Semester 2007

Instructor: Alan Tomhave
Class Time and Place: MWF, 8:00-8:50 GCB 221
Reference Number: 75491

Instructor Contact Information:

E-mail: aetx35@mizzou.edu
Phone: 882-9654
Office: GCB 4XX
Office Hours: Mon. 10-11:30am, Tuesday 10:30am-11:30am, and by appointment.

Texts: The Elements of Moral Philosophy, 5th edition, James Rachels (EMP)
The Right Thing to Do, 4rd edition, James Rachels (RT)

Course Description: This course is intended to be an introduction to the major theories in ethics as well
as exposing you to some of the larger issues in applied ethics. While the course will require you to
become familiar with the content of the authors we read, it will also require that you develop your ability
to think critically about that content and ethical issues in general.

Grading:
1. Midterm (Date TBA) 20%
2. Final Exam (Time and Date TBA) 20%
3. 7 Quizzes (unannounced, though roughly every 2 weeks) 15%
4. Paper 15%
5. Argument Papers (2) 15%
6. Comments on partner’s paper 5%
7. Group Presentation 10%
A plus/minus grading scale will be used. The class will not be curved.

Paper topics will be distributed a week before the due date. Further Information will be provided along
with the topics. Papers will first be due to a partner for comments. You will then revise in light of those
comments.

A note regarding participation: Participation is essential in a philosophy class. I am learning from you
just as you are learning from me and your fellow students. It also helps ensure that you understand the
material and helps develop skills that will be useful for papers. Moreover, it makes class more enjoyable
for all of us. For this reason, participation can result in a grade increase after grades have been calculated.
Similarly, if there is no participation, there may be a grade decrease. Perfect attendance alone is neither
necessary nor sufficient for receiving a bonus for participation.

A note regarding attendance: While attendance will not be taken beyond the first few days, it is expected.
You are responsible for keeping up with announcements about changes in the schedule regarding
readings, exams, papers, and quizzes. Failure to be aware of possible changes will not result in a make-up
assignment. For this reason, if you miss class, you should contact either me or a classmate to check on
possible changes.

Regarding Late or Missed Work: Late or missed work will only result in make-up assignments provided
there is an adequate excuse. If the absence is anticipated, see me early to make alternative arrangements
beforehand. Non-emergency cases may result in a grade penalty.

Class Policies and Procedures:

Academic Dishonesty: The following is from the Philosophy Department’s website (which comes from
the undergraduate catalog). "Academic honesty is essential to the intellectual life of the University. Thus,
academic dishonesty, such as cheating and plagiarism, is a basis for disciplinary action. In all cases of
academic dishonesty, the faculty member makes an academic judgment about the student's grade on that
work and in that course and reports all incidents to the provost for disciplinary action." Any instance of
academic dishonesty will result in a failing grade for the assignment and possibly for the course, as well
as referral to the provost’s office for further action.

Americans with Disabilities: (1) Students having disabilities which might affect their work (in or out of
class) should check with me as soon as possible. MU can make a variety of arrangements that help ensure
equal opportunity. It is your right and we are glad to work with you on this. (2) Also, keep in touch with
MU’s Office of Disability Services, A038 Brady Commons, 882-4696. For information on resources for
students with disabilities, click on “Disability Resources” on MU’s homepage. (3) If you have emergency
medical information to share with me, or if you need special arrangements in case the building must be
evacuated, please inform me immediately. You may talk with me privately after class, or at my office—405
GCB.

Facing a Problem with the Instructor: Also taken from the department website and is departmental
policy. If a student experiences a problem in a philosophy class or with the instructor of a philosophy
class, he should speak to the instructor about it. If, for whatever reason, a student feels uncomfortable
talking to the instructor, or if a student feels that talking to the instructor does not resolve the problem,
then he may talk to the Course Director about the problem. If talking to the Course Director does not
resolve the problem, or if there is no Course Director for the class, then a student may talk to the Director
of Undergraduate Studies about the problem. As a final step, but only a final step, a student may take a
problem to the Chairman of the Philosophy Department.

Course Schedule:
[The course schedule is tentative. Material may be added or deleted as time allows or interests change.]

1. Course Introduction (EMP Ch1)

2. Logic Primer (RT, ch. 2)
Relativist Ethics
3. Cultural Relativism (EMP ch. 2, BB)
4. Subjectivism (EMP ch. 3, RT ch. 7)
Objective Ethics
5. Divine Command Theory and Natural Law (EMP ch. 4, RT ch. 5)
6. Abortion (RT ch. 10 and 11)
7. Egoism (EMP ch. 5)
8. Utilitarianism (EMP ch. 6 and 7, RT ch. 8)
9. Famine Relief (RT ch. 16 and 17, plus BB)
10. Animal Rights (RT ch. 19 and 20)
11. Euthanasia (RT ch. 17 and 18)
12. Duty Based Ethics (EMP ch 8 and 9, RT ch. 9)
13. Punishment (RT ch. 24 and 25)
14. The Social Contract (EMP ch. 10, RT ch. 6)
15. Virtues (EMP ch. 11 and 12, and TBA)
16. Civil Disobedience (RT ch. 30 and BB)