Philosophy 106
 

Spring 1995
Prof. Charles Sayward
Section 250 (Burnett 108, MW 10:30-11:20)

Quiz Sections: 

251 R 11:30     255 F 9:30        
252 F 11:30     256 R 10:30                           
253 R 12:30     257 F 12:30                
254 F 12:30     258 R 1:30

Office: 1003 Oldfather Hall
Office Phone: 472-3425
Office Hours: F 12:30 - 2:30 p.m.
TAs: Mark Cullison & Candace Upton

Text

Stephen Satris, (editor) Taking Sides: Clashing Views on Controversial Moral Issues, Dushkin Publishing, Fourth Edition.
1. What is morality? Distinguish two different approaches to morality: consequentialism and the deontological approach.

Reading: MacIntrye, 4-7; Rachels, 8-17
2. Distinguish these 4 principles commonly employed in ethical discussions: the principle of autonomy, the principle of beneficience, the principle of the sanctity of life, the principle of justice. Describe cases where these principles conflict.

Reading: MacIntrye, 4-7; Rachels, 8-17
3. Distinguish cultural relativism and ethical relativism. Discuss James Rachels's 4 reasons for rejecting ethical relativism.

Reading: Herskovits, 22-30; Rachels, 31-37
4. Is morality based on religion?

Reading: Bemporad, 58-64; Arthur, 65-71
QUIZ 1
This will be given on January 26 (Thursday quiz sections) and January 27 (Friday quiz sections). The quiz will cover the reading under 1-4. It will have two parts: (i) you will be asked to match author's names with selections from the reading; (ii) you will be given multiple choice questions on the reading. There will be 8 questions in all, 4 in each part. All quizzes have this format.
EXAM 1
You will be asked to write an essay on one of 1-4. This exam should be given on February 1.
5. Discuss the issues concerning ethical treatment of animals.

Reading: Singer, 92-98; Leahy, 99-106
6. Discuss the moral reasons for vegetarianism.

Reading: Singer, 92-98; Leahy, 99-106
7. Should drugs be legalized?

Reading: Nadelmann, 128-134; Wilson, 135-144
8. Distinguish these three political philosophies: liberalism, leftism, libertarianism.

Reading: Govier, 148-156; Kristol, 157-162
9. Contrast consequentialist and deontological approaches to the issue of whether rich nations have an obligation to help poor nations.

Reading: Singer, 342-349; Hardin, 350-357
QUIZ 2
This will be given on February 23 (Thursday quiz sections) and February 24 (Friday quiz sections). It covers the reading on 5-9.
EXAM 2

You will be asked to write an essay on one of 5-9. This should be given March 1.
10. Discuss the ethical issues concerning homosexuality.

Reading: Mohr, 186-194; Cameron, 195-202
11. Discuss the ethical issues concerning pornography.

Reading: Gary, 206-214; Gould, 215-218
12. State the conservative side of the abortion controversy. State problems with the conservative case.

Reading: Marquis, 222-229; English, 230-237
13. State the liberal side of the abortion controversy. State problems with the liberal case. State the moderate's position on abortion.

Reading: Marquis, 222-229; English, 230-237
QUIZ 3

This will be given March 16 (Thursday quiz sections) and March 17 (Friday quiz sections). It covers the reading under 10 -13
EXAM 3

You will be asked to write an essay on one of 10-13. This should be given on March 22.
14. Contrast utilitarian and retributive theories of punishment.

Reading: Bedau, 244-249; van den Haag, 250-256
15. Set out the issues concerning capital punishment

Reading: Bedau, 244-249; van den Haag, 250-256
16. Set out the ethical issues concerning euthanasia.

Reading: Gay-Williams, 260-264; Brandt, 264-270
17. Set out the issues concerning affirmative action.

Reading: Wasserstrom, 274-279; Gross, 280-286
QUIZ 4

This will be given April 13 (Thursday quiz sections) and April 14 (Friday quiz sections). It covers the reading under 14-17
EXAM 4

You will be asked to write an essay on one of 14-17 This exam should be given on November 30.

Final exam

2 out of 4 essay questions from 1-17 This will be given 10:00 a.m. to Noon, Monday, May 1, 1995, in Burnett 108.

Grading

Final exam grade or class average, whichever is higher. This makes the final exam optional. Class average is determined by the following: Each exam is worth 20% of your class average. Each quiz is worth 5%. Borderline cases are settled by your attendance and participation in quiz sections.

Paper option

Everyone has to take EXAM 1. For EXAMS 2 - 4 a 3-5 page paper (typewritten) may be submitted instead of sitting the exam, subject to these conditions:
  1. Average grade of "A" on previous quizzes.
  2. The paper must be about one of the readings the test covers.
  3. Grade of at least an "A" on the previous exam.
  4. The paper is about one of the assigned readings.

If you decide to write a paper rather than sit the exam, your paper should include the following items: (a) Title and author of article; (b) The main idea of the article; (c) At least one argument that the author uses to support the main idea; (d) Your defense or attack of the author's main idea.

Make-up quizzes and exams

If you miss a quiz, a make-up quiz may be taken on Monday, April 24, 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m., 1007 Oldfather Hall. If you miss more than one quiz you will need some documentation certifying the reason for your absence (e.g. a note from your doctor).

If you miss an exam, you may take a make-up exam Wednesday, April 26, 1995, 10:30a.m. to 11:30a.m. in 1007 Oldfather Hall. This exam will be graded somewhat more stringently than the original exam since you will have had more time to prepare for it. If you miss more than one exam, then, unless you can document your absence, the make-up exam will be graded a lot more stringently. If you can document your absence, then the make-up exam will be graded only somewhat more stringently. Please bring a blue book for make-up exams.

My purpose in all of this is to be fair to the people who do take the quizzes and exams when they are scheduled.

Criteria for evaluating answers to essay questions

  1. Is the answer accurate? Does it cover the points gone over in class?
  2. Is the answer well-organized?
  3. Is the English acceptable? Are there serious or numerous grammatical errors, spelling errors, etc.?

Criteria for evaluating papers

  1. Does it cover a-d mentioned in PAPER OPTIONS?
  2. How well are b-d carried out?
  3. Is the paper well-organized?
  4. Is the English acceptable? Are there serious or numerous grammatical errors, spelling errors, etc.?

NOTES ON QUIZ SECTIONS


(a) Note that if you are on the borderline between two grades, which grade you get will be settled by your attendance and participation in quiz sections.

(b) Quizzes are given during quiz sections. The dates are given above. Exams are given during regular class periods.

(c) No quiz sections on the Thursday and Friday after an exam (which is always on a Wednesday).

(d) You will be given your class average in your quiz section that meets on April 27 or April 28 (Thursday or Friday of dead week). Dead week (April 24-28):

There will be no lectures during this period. Instead I shall be in my office (1003 OldH) from 10:30-11:30 MWF of dead week to answer questions of those of you who plan to take the final exam.

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