PHIL 112 C - Ethical Problems

 

MWF 12:20 - 1:15 PM                 Bert Beynen, gkbeynen@dmacc.edu.

Room 5-25A                          Tel.: 515/255-4844 (h), 965-7066 (w)                                                  

 

Summary: In the first part of the course the main ethical theories are discussed: Ethical and Psychological Egoism, Utilitarianism, Divine Command Theory, Kant's moral theory, and Hedonism.  In the second part insights from previously discussed ethical theories are applied to contemporary controversies, such as euthanasia, abortion, homosexuality, and capital punishment.

 

Attendance: Each student may miss ONE class period, for whatever reason. After this has been missed, missing a quizzz or an examination results in an F. Exams can be made-up only with a medical excuse note, in Room 6-20 B. Exams have identification, definition, and essay-type questions.  Class periods MAY end with a QUIZZ!! Exams MUST be taken on paper provided by instructor. The final examination consists of identification and definition questions, one question about your book report and of several cases discussed in class.

 

Grading: Quizzes - 30 %, class participation - 15 %, book report - 20%,  (2)exams - 30%, final exam - 20%. 

 

Book Report: Book report topic and summary due 2/21; report, 3 pages, due 4/8.

 

Textbook: Jacques P. Thiroux, Ethics: Theory and Practice, eighth edition; Pearson Prentice Hall: Upper Saddle River, 2004.

 

Disabilities coordinator: 964-6850 (voice) & 964-6810 (TTY)

 

Assignments: 1/10: pp. 1-10; 1/12: pp. 10-18; 1/14: pp. 18-26;

1/19: pp. 35-49; 1/21: pp. 55-65; 1/24 pp. 64-76; 1/26; pp. 85-97;

1/28: FIRST EXAM; 1/31: pp. 103-115; 2/2: pp. 121-133;

2/4: pp. 133-143; 2/7: pp. 152-165; 2/9: pp. 165-175;

2/11: pp. 179-185 & I; 2/14: pp. 186-197 & I; 2/16: pp. 200-207 & I;

2/18: p.. 210-221 & II; 2/21: pp. 228-232 & II – BOOK REPORT TOPIC & SUMMARY DUE; 2/23: pp. 233-242 & II; 2/25: pp. 242-246 & II;

2/28: pp. 242-246 & II; 3/2: pp. 254-259 & III; 3/4: pp. 260-268 & III; 3/7: pp. 268-273 & III; 3/9: SECOND EXAM; 3/14: pp. 279-283 & IV;

3/16: pp. 283-291 & IV; 3/18: pp. 291-299 & IV; 3/28: pp. 299-304 & IV; 3/30: pp. 311-315 & V; 4/1: pp. 316-324 & V; 4/4: pp. 324-333 & V;

4/6: pp. 342-349 & VI – BOOK REPORT DUE; 4/8: pp. 351-359 & VI;

4/11: pp. 359-363 & VI; 4/13: pp. 374-382 & VII;     

4/15: pp. 382-390 & VII; 4/18: pp. 390-398 & VII;

4/20: pp. 408-414 & VIII; 4/22: pp. 414-418 & VIII;

4/25: pp. 419-423 & VIII; 4/27: pp. 423-427 & VIII; 4/29: SNOWDAY;       

5/2: FINAL - 1-3:15 PM