Introduction to Applied Ethics

Kristin Andrews

Courses

Philosophy 2075:
Introduction to Applied Ethics
Fall 2003

Description:

This class will help you identify and critically examine some of the ethical dilemmas that face our society today. Before we consider the particular issues, some tools will be introduced. The first tool we will develop is logical reasoning skills that will allow you to construct valid arguments. The next set of tools are some ethical theories. You will learn two major ethical theories, Kantianism and Utilitarianism. We will also look at the relations between religion, society, and ethics. This class, more so than many other philosophy classes, will directly speak to issues you probably already have strong feelings about.

Requirements:

Short Paper: 30%
The goal of the course is to come up with a paper in which you will present an argument on one of the moral issues covered in this course. However, the argument will be your own. The paper will be written in a strict format that will be introduced in class, and will be 4 pages long. The paper is due November 24.
Quizzes: 20% each

The three quizzes will include both short answer and multiple choice questions, and will cover the required reading and course lectures.

Participation: 10%
Your participation grade comes from your attendance and participation in discussion sections.

Required Reading:
Ethics in Practice, Hugh LaFollette, ed. Blackwell Publishers 2002.

More on Web CT:
To get started with Web CT go to http://www.yorku.ca/fsc/webct/student/webct_quickstart.pdf
and follow the directions (you will need Adobe Reader to access this file). If you need help with Web CT, you should contact Computing and Network Services (CNS) by phone off-campus at 416-736-5800, by phone on-campus at ext. 55800, by email at helpdest@yorku.ca, or you can drop in at Computing Commons, William Small Center. Your TA cannot help you with technical Web CT problems.

Students can use the Web CT platform to converse with one another about the issues raised in class. You will also find course content on-line including notes, vocabulary, sample papers, and sample exam questions.