Philosophy 325/Business Ethics
Philosophy 125: Moral Philosophy Office: Knorr House B8 (basement)
Spring 2005 Hours: M 4:15 – 6pm; T 10:30 -
MWF 9:15 - 10:20 am noon; W 5 -6 pm and by appointment
Pacific Lutheran University 253/535 -- 8739
Dr. Pauline M. Kaurin email: kaurinpa @ plu.edu
Web Page: plu.edu/~kaurinpa/ Dept: plu.edu/%7Ephil/
Objectives of the Course:
1- To understand, analyze and evaluate the major ethical theories and debates in the Western philosophical tradition, using a range of ancient, modern and contemporary texts.
2- To develop skills in philosophical argumentation and counter-argumentation, both in written and oral form, in individual and group settings.
3- To engage with philosophical texts, philosophers and members of the class in the philosophical process.
4- To construct and develop one's own ethical and philosophical view with a deeper understanding of both philosophical process and heritage, as well as the practical contexts and implications.
5- To build upon and enhance the skills of critical thinking, reading and writing which are essential to both liberal arts education and to professional competency.
Why Philosophy?
Philosophy is more than a class to fill your GUR requirement: it's an adventure! Philosophy concerns the most fundamental questions of the human experience: What sort of life should I live? What should be the role of Business in society? How much should capitalism be restricted for the common good? Can I have a good life, be a good, moral person if I am a committed capitalist? What ideas are good, reasonable to hold? How do I decide what to believe? What are the origins of our ideas about the moral life?
An analogy may be helpful: philosophy is a lot like climbing Mount Rainier. Together we will embark on a new odyssey. As we climb the mountain, I will be your guide and point out what I think are interesting sights and paths, show you some of the tools and tricks of mountain climbing that you will need, but at some point you will venture out on your own and report back to us what you found. This class is not designed to tell you what the answers to life are, but rather to help you figure out what questions you need to ask so that you can find your own answers. However, this does not need to be a lonely odyssey. We are all (the professor included!) exploring on our own, but it is an essential part of the philosophical process that we share our experiences and help one another with constructive criticism and ideas at every opportunity. When we are finished you will have learned skills that will be helpful in other pursuits, but more importantly you will be participating in a tradition that aspires to the best and highest in humanity.
Class Requirements:
Critical Reflection Papers: A 2-3 page paper (about 500 -750 words) which is designed to engage the readings on your own and to work through the four steps in the writing process before class discussion, practicing the philosophical virtue of autonomy. These papers are graded on a +, (,( scale and will contribute to the effort portion of your grade. These papers are due at the beginning of class (9:15 am) on the following dates: February 7, 14, 23, 28, March 7, 30, April 4, 11, 18, 25 and May 9. You may opt out of three papers without penalty, no more than two before or after midterm. Allowing you to opt out of papers is designed to accommodate illness, emergencies and other problems; use discretion, since I DO NOT accept late papers without prior consultation -- regardless of the reason.
Essay #1: An 8--10 page (about 2000 – 2500 words) paper dealing with one of the following: Plato, Aristotle, Aquinas, Hume or Kant. First draft due at the beginning of class March 14; final draft due at the beginning of class April 8.
Essay #2: An 8-10 page (2000 -2500 words) paper dealing with one of the following: Mill, Nietzsche, Feminism or Hallie book. You also have the option to do an original topic/project within certain parameters; if you choose this option you must meet with me no later than April 27 to get approval. First Draft due May 2 at the beginning of class; Final Draft due during final exam period (as scheduled.)
Peer Critiques: Two 2-3-page critiques written assessing the arguments in the First Draft of another student’s Essay, to provide input during the final stages of writing. Due March 18 and May 6.
Movies and Morality Paper: You will be required to write a 4-5 page (1000 - 1300 words) paper to be presented to the class between February 25 and May 13 on one of the ethical ideas and issues in one of the movies assigned. (See the specific assignment sheet for additional information.)
Class Attendance/Participation and Miscellaneous: You are expected to be in class on time and to come prepared to actively discuss the assigned readings and participate. More than 6 absences and/or consistent lack of preparation will result in a significantly lower grade. There may be small assignments, guest lectures or small group work that also will contribute to this part of the grade. These will be graded on a +, (, or - scale. (It is therefore to your advantage not to miss class since these assignments will be announced in class and there are no make-ups.)
Grading:
Crit. Refl. Paper (11 – 3 = 8) 15%
Essay #1 25%
Essay #2 25%
Peer Critiques 10%
Movies and Morality Paper 10%
Class Attendance/Preparation 15%
Class Policies: (see also Class Expectations handout)
This is an upper-division class (even though it is also a GUR) so you should be prepared for (and I will expect) an upper-division level of work.
This is primarily a discussion class so it is crucial that you not only do the reading, but also come to class prepared with questions and comments and actively participate. Lateness (just like in the Real World) is not only disruptive to the discussion process, but also inhibits your participation. If you must come late (or leave early), be respectful of the class' time and space and take care that is does not become a habit. Be respectful of the class time and space by turning down/off cell phones, beepers etc and refrain from engaging in other tasks in class – i.e. knitting, revising your resume, working on homework etc.
All papers should follow the guidelines that I have set out in the Essay Guidelines handout, (and conforming to the particular assignment) as well as being typed, double spaced and conforming to the appropriate citation style. I do not accept papers via mail, disk, fax, email or carrier pigeon.
I will accept NO late papers (either Critical Reflection Papers, Essays, Movie Paper or Peer Critiques) without prior permission and consultation.
If a situation arises that may effect your attendance and/or work, please consult with me as early as possible and I will be more than happy to work with you.
In the event that classes are cancelled (either due to inclement weather or my illness), call my extension for instructions. You are responsible for any assignments or directions I give you. Unless you hear from me otherwise, the schedule remains as is.
If you require special accommodations for disability of any kind, please discuss it with me and/or the appropriate university personnel.
Required Texts:
Plato: The Republic (any edition)
Aristotle: Nicomachean Ethics (any edition)
David Hume: An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals (any edition)
Immanuel Kant: Grounding for the Metaphysics of Morals (any edition)
John Stuart Mill: Utilitarianism (any edition)
Fredrich Nietzsche: On the Genealogy of Morals (any edition)
Fredrich Nietzsche: Twilight of the Idols (any edition)
Virginia Held ed.: Justice and Care: Essential Readings in Feminist Ethics (ISBN 081332162X)
Phillip Hallie: Lest Innocent Blood Be Shed (ISBN 0060925175)
Course Packet
Recommended Texts:
Jostein Gaarder: Sophie's World. (NY: Berkeley Books, 1994)
Frederick Copleston: A History of Philosophy. (This comes in several volumes arranged chronologically and generally available in the library)
Dennis Miller: The Rants (Really!!)
(While there are various resources available online that might be helpful please heed the following caveats (which also apply to non-online secondary sources):
1) Just because it is on the internet (or in a text) does not mean that the content is accurate – check your sources and trust your critical capacities,
2) Any sources you might find are someone else’s interpretation of the text which you should never substitute for your own reading and interpretation since they might very well be WRONG, and
3) Relying on other sources will not help YOU develop your own reading, critical thinking and analysis skills (which you will need to successfully write your papers), nor will it tell you what your own perspective is (which you will also need to write your papers and participate in class.)
Class Schedule: (readings maybe subject to change, but I will consult the class)
February 2: Intro; What is Ethics?
February 4: Quiz on syllabus; read case (handout); Your definition of ethics with at least 2 supporting rationale/reasons (100 – 150 words) to hand in
Reading Question: (These are questions to help you direct your own reading and indicate issues that we will discuss in class) What is ethics?
February 7: CRP #1 due; read Plato’s Republic Books I and II (start Book II)
Reading Question: What is justice? Why is this question an important one in this book?
February 9: No class – catch up on reading
February 11: read Plato Books II, III and IV; 2 discussion questions (100 words each)
Reading questions: Does Plato advocate censorship and thought-control? Why/Not?
February 14: CRP #2 due; read Plato Books V and VI
Reading Question: Why does Plato think that philosophers ought to rule?
February 16: read Aristotle Book I
Reading Question: Why is Aristotle writing this book?
February 18: read Aristotle: Books II, III (to 1114b15); 2 discussion questions
Reading Question: What are the connections between these 2 sections?
February 21: no class (holiday)
February 23: CRP #3 due; read Aristotle Books V and VI
Reading Question: How does Aristotle’s view of justice compare to Plato’s?
February 25 read Aristotle Books VIII and IX; 2 discussion questions
Reading Question: What does friendship have to do with ethics?
February 28: CRP #4 due; skim Aristotle Book VII; read 1) Book X and 2) "Homer and Aristotle" in Course Packet
Reading Question: Why is pleasure not the same as happiness? How do Homer and the people in the case rate as virtuous individuals? What might Aristotle say? Why? What do you think? Why?
March 2: read Aquinas (1st half, Course Packet)
Reading Question: Where does Aquinas think morality comes from? Why?
March 4: read Aquinas; 2 discussion questions
Reading Question: What is Natural Law? What is its place in morality?
March 7: CRP #5 due; read Hume Section I and Appendix I
Reading Question: For Hume, what the source of morality? Why?
March 9: read Hume Sections II and III and Appendix III (skim IV)
Reading Question: Why does Hume think that justice is an 'artificial" virtue?
March 11: read Hume Sections V – VIII; 2 discussion questions
Reading Question: Why is sympathy important? How does he use this term?
March 14: First Draft Essay #1 due; read Hume Section IX
March 16: read Kant Section I and start II
Reading Question: What is ‘good will”? Why is it important? Why is duty so important to Kant?
March 18: PC #1 due; read Kant Section II
Reading Question: Why must Reason be the source of ethics? What does Kant mean by “Reason”? Why is there only one categorical imperative?
SPRING BREAK
March 28: No class (Spring Break)
March 30: CRP #6 due; read Kant Section II
April 1: Read case and prepare for the debate according to your assignment (be prepared to turn in your preparation notes)
Reading Question: What might each of the philosophers have to say about this case? Why? How would they make their case?
April 4: CRP #7 due; read Mill Chapters 1 and 2
Reading Question: How does Mill define Utilitarianism?
April 6: read Mill Chapters 3 and 4
Reading Question: What is Mill’s positive argument for utilitarianism?
April 8: Essay #1 due; read Mill Chapter 5
Reading Question: What is the connection between utility and justice? How does this compare to Hume?
April 11: CRP #8 due; read Nietzsche’s On the Geneology of Morals First Essay
Reading Question: Where does Nietzsche think the term “good” came from? Why?
April 13: read Nietzsche’s OGM Second Essay; 2 discussion questions
Reading Question: What is his view of human nature? How does it relate to his view of punishment?
April 15: finish Nietzsche’s OGM; start Twilight of the Idols
April 18: CRP # 9 due; read Nietzsche’s Twilight of the Idols “Maxims and Arrows” “The Problem of Socrates” “’Reason’ in Philosophy” and “How the True World….”
April 20: read “Morality as Anti-Nature” “The Four Great Errors” “The Improvers of Mankind” “ What the Germans Lack”
April 22: read “Skirmishes of an Untimely Man” “ What I Owe the Ancients” and “The Hammer Speaks”; 2 discussion questions
April 25: CRP #10 due; read Held Part I (Chapters 1-3)
Reading Question: What is meant by the term care? Why might care be ethically relevant?
April 27: read Held Part II (Chapters 4-5)
Reading Question: What are some of the concerns that the author’s raise about care perspectives?
April 29: read Held Part III (Chapters 6-7); 2 discussion questions
May 2: First Draft Essay #2 due; read Held Part IV (Chapters 8-9)
May 4: read Held Part V (Chapters 10-11)
May 6: PC #2 due; finish Held
May 9: CRQ #11 due; read Hallie
Reading Question: What ethical theories, ideas or perspectives do you see reflected in the various characters?
May 11: read Hallie; 2 discussion questions
Reading Question: Why do people act in moral fashion, even under severe pressure, while others do not?
May 13: finish Hallie; wrap up; Course Evaluations
Essay # 2 due no later than the end of the assigned final examination period
Suggestions for Critical Reading:
Reading this kind of material will typically take longer than you are used to spending for other classes. I guess that you do two readings. First, skim or read lightly in order to get the general gist and layout of things. Then, read carefully and critically for the arguments, claims and evidences and think about what your assessment of the author’s perspective is, making notes or processing the material as you go. If you follow this method, your reading will actually take less time, be more productive and you will also spend less time re-reading material to write your papers. Work smarter!!
When reading any material, some things to keep in mind---
1-- What is the thesis? What is the philosopher trying to argue for? Why?
2-- What evidence does the philosopher give for the thesis?
3--What is the structure/order of the argument? What significance does it have?
4--What kind of argument is the philosopher using? Any fallacies?
5-- Does the argument/thesis tally with reality or experience? Can you think of any counter-examples that would present a problem for the thesis?
6-- Do you buy the thesis/argument? Why or why not?
7-- Is the issue addressed an important one? Why or why not?
When reading, always write questions or comments in the margins. Be sure and constantly question what the philosopher is doing, how and why. Circle any references or terms that are unfamiliar or hard to understand and bring them up in class. Finally, remember the big picture.
NOTES AND REMINDERS:
SCHEDULE AND WORK LOAD: While all this may look overwhelming, there is typically a lot of reading and writing in any philosophy class. I have tried to arrange the schedule to have the most difficult material and highest reading/writing load at the beginning when you have more energy and fewer demands in other classes, which means the second half should be a bit easier in terms of those things. DO NOT sell yourself short, you can do this and I will be giving you all the help you need to succeed!
REAL LIFE: Extra Credit to those who have cases, articles or issues that they want to bring to the class for discussion…pay attention and try to connect the class to the ‘real world.’ See me for further instructions.
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