Philosophy 2306 – Humane Letters

$300.00

The systematic evaluation of classical and/or contemporary
ethical theories concerning the good life, human conduct in society, morals, and
standards of value.
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Description

PHIL 2306

Introduction to Ethics

Western Texas College

I. Basic Course Information

A. Course Description: The systematic evaluation of classical and/or contemporary
ethical theories concerning the good life, human conduct in society, morals, and
standards of value.

B. Any required prerequisites: Successful completion of English 0303 or successful
completion of STARR, ACCUPLACER, COMPASS, and/or THEA.

C. Online course content is administered through the college’s learning
management system (LMS), Brightspace.

II. Student Learning Outcomes

A. Read, analyze, and critique philosophical texts.

B. Define and appropriately use important terms such as relativism, virtue, duty,
rights, utilitarianism, natural law, egoism, altruism, autonomy, and care ethics.

C. Demonstrate knowledge of major arguments and problems in ethics.

D. Present and discuss well-reasoned ethical positions in writing.

E. Apply ethical concepts and principles to address moral concerns.

F. Apply course materials to various aspects of life.

G. Discuss ways of living responsibly in a world where people have diverse ethical
beliefs.

III. Major Course Requirements

A. There will be a final exam (essay format).

B. There will be a research paper.

C. There will be timed quizzes.

D. There will be Chapter readings and homework assignments.

E. Testing Requirements: The final exam and research paper are turned in through
TURNITIN.

F. Grade Weights: Homework 25% – Quizzes 25% – Forums (extra credit) –
Research Paper 25% – Final Exam Essay 25%.

G. Final Grade: A=90-100, B=80-89, C=70-79, D=60-69, F=59 and below.

IV. Information on Books and Other Course Materials

A. Required Book: Social and Personal Ethics, 8th edition by William H. Shaw.
Book ISBN: 978-1133934738.

V. Other Policies, Procedures, and important dates. Please refer to the WTC Catalog
for the following.

A. Campus Calendar

B. Final exam schedule

C. How to drop a class

D. Withdrawal Information

E. Student Conduct

F. Academic Integrity

G. Class Attendance

H. Students with disabilities

VI. Planned Course of Study
Chapters to be covered throughout the semester
Chapter 1 The Nature of Morality
Chapter 2 Normative Theories of Ethics
Chapter 3 Four Rival Ethical Perspective
Chapter 4 Suicide and Euthanasia
Chapter 5 Abortion
Chapter 6 Animals, Vegetarianism, and Environmental Ethic
Chapter 7.3, 7.4 Liberty and Paternalism
Chapter 8 Marriage and Sexual Morality
Chapter 9 Voting and Democracy
Chapter 10 Crime, Guns, and Right
Chapter 11 Punishment and the Death Penalty
Chapter 12 The Ethics of War and the Response to Terrorism
Chapter 13 Race, Discrimination, and Affirmative Action

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Disclaimer: Schedule and content is subject to change at the instructor’s discretion.