1. PHIL102: Contemporary Moral Problems
SUM2014, M-F12:00-1:00, SAV 264
Instructor: Benjamin Hole
Office Hours: M-F1-1:15
PHIL102: Contemporary Moral Problems
In this course, we connect various contemporary issues with ethical theory, in order to better understand the nature of moral disputes. While there are many such issues, we concentrate on topics concerning sexual ethics, international ethics, and social/political ethics. Philosophers approach specific moral issues by making use of theories and applying them to the real world. So, we begin the course with an introduction to ethical theory and the philosophical study of contemporary moral issues. Next, we read articles to investigate how ethical theory is applied to support views on these issues. The aim is to help you to understand the arguments put forward by defenders of these views and, by examining them, to refine your own understanding. Class sessions consist primarily of lectures and discussion activities. This is a writing intensive course. In addition to a final examination and paper, there are bi-weekly writing assignments and daily quizzes.

2. Plan for today Ice-Breaker Review Course Mechanics
Discussion, Ethical Theory Primer
Carry over into the week

3. Ice-Breaker
Introduce yourself to at least one other person and communicate:
biographical facts (e.g., where you’re from, what you’re studying, whatever else you’d like to share)
interesting factoid or anecdote (to help us remember who you are)
why you’re taking this course (which you will be writing on for your first assignment).

4. Course Website & Syllabus

5. Week Required Reading Assignment
Course Mechanics, Theory Primer, and Philosophical Argumentation
6/23-6/27
Benjamin Hole, Phil 102 Syllabus
Lewis Vaughn (posted on website), “How to Read an Argument”
Mark Timmons, “Moral Theory Primer”
WA1, due 6/27
Philosophical Writing and Ethical Theory
6/30-7/3
(Holiday, 7/4)
Mark B. Woodhouse (posted on website), “How to Write Philosophy”
James Rachels (posted on website), “The Challenge of Cultural Relativism”
Jeremy Bentham (posted on website), “The Principle of Utility”
Robert Nozick, “The Experience Machine” (posted on website)
None
Ethical Theory
7/7-7/11
Immanuel Kant (posted on website), “The Moral Law”
J.S. Mill (electronic), On Liberty, Chapters 1-2
WA2, due 7/8
Introduction to Sexual Ethics
7/14-7/18
The Catholic Church, “Vatican Declaration on Some Questions in Sexual Ethics”
John Corvino, “A Defense of Homosexuality”
Thomas Mappes, “A Liberal View of Sexual Morality and the concept of Using Another Person”
Introduction to International Ethics
7/21-7/25
Peter Singer, “Famine, Affluence, and Morality” (posted on website)
Garrett Hardin, “Lifeboat Ethics” (posted on website)
WA3, due 7/22
Introduction to Social and Political Ethics: Censorship and Pornography
7/28-8/1
Ronald Dworkin, “Liberty and Pornography”
Judith M. Hill, “Pornography and Degradation”
Catharine MacKinnon (posted on website), “Pornography, Civil Rights, and Speech”
Abortion
8/4-8/8
Pope John Paul II, “The Unspeakable Crime of Abortion”
Mary Anne Warren, “On the Moral and Legal Status of Abortion”
Don Marquis, “Why Abortion Is Immoral”
WA4, due 8/5
Conference for Final Papers
8/11-8/15
Catch-up if we’ve fallen behind.
Conference for Final Papers: presentations and discussion
Abortion 
8/18-8/22
Judith Jarvis Thomson, “A Defense of Abortion”
Rosalind Hursthouse, “Virtue Ethics and Abortion”
WA5, due 8/19
Final Paper, due 8/21

6. Clicker Polling & Ethics Primer
Please set your Turning Technology Clicker to channel 41
Press “Ch”, then “41”, then “Ch”

7. It is morally wrong to steal a loaf of bread to feed your starving family and loved ones.
Strongly Agree
Agree
Somewhat Agree
Neutral
Somewhat Disagree
Disagree
Strongly Disagree

8. The rightness or wrongness of an action does not depend on its consequences.
Strongly Agree
Agree
Somewhat Agree
Neutral
Somewhat Disagree
Disagree
Strongly Disagree

9. It is morally wrong to make yourself an exception to a rule (e. g
It is morally wrong to make yourself an exception to a rule (e.g., cutting in line).
Strongly Agree
Agree
Somewhat Agree
Neutral
Somewhat Disagree
Disagree
Strongly Disagree

10. Theorizing about ethics can help provide practical guidance.
Strongly Agree
Agree
Somewhat Agree
Neutral
Somewhat Disagree
Disagree
Strongly Disagree

11. I am skeptical about ethical theory.
Strongly Agree
Agree
Somewhat Agree
Neutral
Somewhat Disagree
Disagree
Strongly Disagree