Philosophy 211: Ethics
Dr. James Luchte
Britt Hall 214
Office Hours: MWF 11:00AM-12:00PM, MW 3:30-5:15PM, F 2:00-3:30PM
E-mail Dr. James Luchte
540-365-4324
Philosophy 211: Ethics
MWF 10:00 - 10:50AM
Beckham 4
Course Description:
This course will disclose the meaning of a philosophical ethics in the context of a discussion of
the ancient Greek word "ethos". This notion, distinct from religious or secular mores or the dogmas of an
ecclesiastical faith, indicates a way or manner of existence, being, or life, that is oriented toward
an affirmation of binding commitments by a finite being amidst a free existence.
After a discussion of the various ethical theories which have been articulated historically on
the basis of the notions of ethos and ethics, we will turn to the central ethical issues which
constantly confront our existence and define our pursuit of the true, beautiful and good.
Discussion Sections:
A. The Meaning of Ethics
Ethics Updates
Aristotle and Virtue Ethics (PowerPoint Online)
Utilitarianism (PowerPoint Online)
Kant and the Ethics of Duty (PowerPoint Online)
Ethical Relativism (PowerPoint Online)
Ethical Egoism (PowerPoint Online)
B. Ethics and Society
Abortion
Death Penalty and the Ethics of Punishment
Gender and Sexism
Ethics and Race
Ethics and Sexual Orientation
c. Ethics, Politics, and the Economy
Iraq Crisis
Poverty and Welfare
World Hunger
Ethics and War
C. Ethics and Science
Biotechnology and Bioethics
D. Ethics and Human Rights
Universal Declaration of Human Rights
E. Ethics, Dying, and Death
Euthanasia
Living Will
Texts:
There are no required texts for this class. All readings will be placed
as hypertext (internet) links under the approriate discussion sections.
Ethics Updates
Evaluation
This course will be evaluated on the basis of three, equally weighted, criteria:
1. Class participation and discussion.
2. Short position papers and group debates on various ethical issues.
3. A ten page paper on the meaning of ethics, developed in light of some ethical issue.
Ethics Catalogue Description
E-mail Dr. James Luchte
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