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Spring 2002
This information effective
for Spring 2002.
Check with instructor the first day of class for any changes.
Spring 2002
Instructor: Julie Tannenbaum
MWF 8:00–9:10 a.m.
Stevenson 150
Office: Cowell A105
Phone: (831) 459-5045
E-mail: Tannenba@cats.ucsc.edu
TENTATIVE SYLLABUS
This course will focus on three areas of contemporary moral problems: war, euthanasia, and abortion. Here are some of the questions we will address. Are certain methods of warfare immoral even if one fights for a just cause? Is active euthanasia morally forbidden while passive euthanasia morally required? What is the moral status of a zygote and fetus and is this relevant to whether abortion is morally permissible?
No background in philosophy is necessary for taking this course. The goals of the course are (1) to develop some appreciation of the complexity of problems in this area of philosophical inquiry and (2) to hone your philosophical skills of argumentation, clear and precise statement, critical thinking, and effective writing.
Assignments
(1) 3-page paper, worth 15% of the total grade, due at the end of week 3.
(2) 3-page paper, worth 40% of the total grade, due at the end of week 7.
(3) 4-page paper, worth 40% of the total grade, due at the end of week 10.
(4) positive and consistent section participation, worth 5% of the total gradeAll the papers must be completed to pass the course. Improvement over the course can impact your grade favorably.
The Readings for the course (tentative list):
Thomas Nagel “Death”
Elizabeth Anscombe “The Justice of the Present War Examined”
Joseph McKenna “The Just War”
Thomas Nagel “War and Massacre”
Henry Shue “Torture”
James Rachels “Active and Passive Euthanasia”
Philippa Foot “Euthanasia”
Joel Feinberg “Voluntary Euthanasia and the Inalienable Right to Life”
Thomas Hill “Self-regarding Suicide: a Modified Kantian View”
Joel Feinberg “Abortion”
Judith Jarvis Thomson “A Defense of Abortion”
Warren Quinn “Abortion: Identity and Loss”
Philippa Foot “The Problem of Abortion and the Doctrine of the Double Effect”
Nancy Ann Davis “Abortion and Self-Defense”
Spring 2002
Instructor: Julie Tannenbaum
MWF 2:00–3:10 p.m.
Stevenson 152
Office: Cowell A105
Phone: (831) 459-5045
E-mail: Tannenba@cats.ucsc.edu
TENTATIVE SYLLABUS
Aristotle and Immanuel Kant are arguably two of the most influential philosophers
in western philosophy. In this course we will focus on their most famous ethical
works: Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics and Kant’s Groundwork for the
Metaphysics of Morals. Both Aristotle and Kant argue that there is one foundational
ethical principle. The foundational principle is a guide for judging when our
actions are good and what makes our actions good. We will dedicate most of our
time to understanding the nature of these principles and the arguments given
for them.
We will also compare the two theories. Traditionally, Aristotle and Kant are
thought to offer opposing views of good action and good agents. We will closely
compare their ethical principles and arguments in an effort to determine whether
this traditional characterization is accurate.
Anyone taking this class should already have taken at least one philosophy course-preferably, but not necessarily, a course in ethics.
The goals of the course are: (1) to come away with some basic understanding of Aristotle and Kant’s ethical theories, (2) to develop some appreciation of the complexity of problems in this area of philosophical inquiry, (3) to hone your philosophical skills of argumentation, clear and precise statement, critical thinking, and effective writing.
Assignments
-Each week a 1-page paper is due on an assigned topic. Eight papers will be
assigned and together they are worth 15% of your course grade.
-A three-page paper, worth 25% of the total grade, due at the end of week 3.
-A four-page paper, worth 45% of the total grade, due at the end of week 10.
-Class participation, worth 15%
The Readings:
Required:
Kant, I., Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals. Translated and edited by M. Gregor.
Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics. Translated and edited by T. Irwin.Recommended:
Herman, B., The Practice of Moral Judgment
Engstrom, S. and Whiting, J., Aristotle, Kant, and the Stoics