PHIL/GLST 210 Values Analysis

Syllabus

Course Description: It is Socrates that is credited with the inauguration of ethics as a philosophical subject when he asked the question, "How ought one to live?" Socrates's question is not a skeptical one, it asks for reasons to justify or legitimate our moral belief. In the course this semester we shall try to find a way to answer Socrates' question. But the student ought to be prepared for the fact that there are no simple answers here. Instead we will be confronted with even more questions.

"Moral philosophy arises when, like Socrates, we pass beyond the stage in which we are directed by traditional rules and even beyond the stage in which these rules are so internalized that we can be said to be inner-directed, to the stage in which we think for ourselves in critical and general terms (as the Greeks were beginning to do in Socrates' day) and achieve a kind of autonomy as moral agents."William Frankena

The course is designed to investigate a number of theories that various philosophers have advanced to explain and guide us in the area called ethics. Examples of some theories that we will be considering are utilitarianism, deontological ethics (Kant), Rawls' theory of justice, egoism, relativism, feminism, and natural law theory. In addition to studying these theories, we will also consider case studies that will allow us to apply these theories to real life situations. Values Analysis will also include the study and discussion of logic and critical thinking. In developing the student's critical thinking skills the course attempts to provide an ethical toolkit which can be applied to current ethical and political issues, as well as the concerns that arise in everyday life.

Values Analysis is a writing intensive course. It will include both formal and informal writing assignments, which are designed to serve as the primary medium in which students are to explore, reflect, and draw their conclusions regarding values questions. The ultimate aim is to help the student to realize the meaning of Socrates's saying that "the unexamined life is not worth living."

• Course Objectives and Goals: The Values Analysis course has the following aims as its objectives:
• Develop an understanding of and ability to apply diverse models of ethical decision-making.
• Develop a commonly shared language and set of conceptual skills, including logical and critical thinking abilities for analyzing values issues.
• Help students recognize the validity of diverse approaches to ethical decision-making.
• Help students to reflect on and articulate their own set of values and be able to articulate them to others.
• Help students to see the relationship between reflecting on their values and how to apply them through participation in a democratic society.

Course Requirements:

• Regular attendance is required. After two unexcused absences, each additional absence will result in a one letter grade reduction of the student's final grade. Students will not be allowed to make up any unexcused absences. Students will be allowed to make up excused absences, but only after furnishing proof of their reason for missing class. In accordance with the College regulations, participation in a sanctioned trip will be considered legitimate reason for missing class. The instructor reserves the right make exceptions to this policy as the circumstances warrant. Finally, be on time to class. Being late is rude and tends to disrupt the class. If a student develops a consistent pattern of being late it will adversely affect that student's grade for the course.
• The course will require three formal papers, (each paper is to be approximately 4 pages in length, typed and double-spaced,) that deal with the issues and theories raised during the course of our class discussions. Late papers will be penalized one letter grade. No late papers will be accepted after one week. Papers will be graded in accordance with the criteria set forth in the Philosophy and Religion Department's Evaluation and Criteria sheet. This will be handed out to you with this syllabus.
• There will also be a mid-term exam and a final exam.

Grading: The student's grade will be determined as follows:

• Mid-term and Final exams50% (Each exam is worth 25% of the student's grade.)
• Papers45% (Each paper is worth 15% of the student's grade.)
• Attendance5%.

Office and Office Hours: My office is located in 330 Burnham. My office hours for student consultations will be 2:00-2:50, and 4:00-5:00 MTWTh and other times by appointment. My phone number is 873-7379. You may also reach me by e-mail at the following address tvaggali@lib.drury.edu .

Course Texts:

• Niccolo Machiavelli, The Prince. (Hackett Press)
• Alasdair MacIntyre, After Virtue, 2nd edition. (Notre Dame Press)
• Thomas A. Mappes and Jane S. Zembaty, editors, Social Ethics: Morality and Social Policy, 5th edition. (MacGraw-Hill Press)
• James Rachels, The Elements of Moral Philosophy, 2nd edition. (MacGraw-Hill Press)
• Plato, Republic, trans. by G.M.A. Grube. (Hackett Press)

Course Outline (Web Document)