PHIL 120W Introduction to Moral Philosophy

Spring Semester 2012 | Day | Burnaby

INSTRUCTOR  D. Zimmerman, WMC 5604

REQUIRED TEXT

• Exploring Ethics: An Introductory Anthology, 2nd edition. Steven M. Cahn, Oxford University Press, 2011

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Moral philosophy addresses questions about the nature of moral right and wrong: What sorts of actions are morally required of us? What sorts are morally forbidden to us? What sorts are strictly optional? Virtually every human group has a morality, a set of principles that fixes what its members believe about how they ought to behave towards each other. Moral philosophy takes up a more critical stance, by asking what is morally right and wrong.

In Philosophy 120 we will try to answer these questions. Are there any basic, universal moral principles which hold true of all groups at all times? If so, how can anyone tell which are the true ones and which are merely the pretenders? Does morality as such have a rational foundation? To what extent can moral disagreements among people and groups be resolved rationally, in the light of the facts and logic? Does morality require a religious basis? If not, what sort of basis is available?

We will examine in some detail two sorts of moral theories that (together) can lay some claim to universal applicability. Utilitarianism maintains that the basic moral obligation is to bring about the best consequences one can, the most happiness, the least misery. Deontology maintains that there are certain kinds of actions that in themselves, quite independently of their consequences for human happiness, are morally required (like keeping commitments, e.g., promises) or forbidden (like telling lies). Can either of these moral frameworks make the great claim to truth and rationality? Taken together do they constitute the whole of morality? We will use as our working examples several moral controversies about life and death which currently rage in Canada and elsewhere: abortion, euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide, and the moral standing of (non-human) animals.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

• Attendance, participation, very short writing assignments - 10%
• 500 word essay, plus one revision - 15%
• 700 word essay, plus one revision - 20%
• Midterm exam - 20%
• Final exam - 35%

Note: PHIL 120 has no prerequisites, and may be applied to the Certificate in Liberal Studies, the W-requirement, and the Breadth/Humanities requirement.