Winter 2005 Advance Course Information

This information effective for Winter 2005. Check with instructor the first day of class for any changes.

Philosophy

[PHIL-009] [PHIL-024]

9. Introduction to Logic

Instructor: S. Chung

Course Description:

Logic is the study of the methods and principles used to distinguish correct from incorrect reasoning. In this course we focus on the form and quality of arguments. An argument is a set of premises which are supposed to give reasons for accepting the conclusion. An argument is logically correct (valid) if the premises support the conclusion; it is logically incorrect otherwise. The aim of this course is to give students the tools to formalize arguments and evaluate their correctness. Among the topics covered are validity, truth tables, sentential logic, natural deduction, and predicate logic.

This course is an introductory course with no prerequisites. Grades and narrative evaluations will be based on exams, homework, and participation in class and in section.

[top of page]

24. Introduction to Contemporary Ethics

Note: Tentative Syllabus

Instructor: Julie Tannenbaum
Office: Cowell A105
Phone: (831) 459-5045
E-mail: tannenba@ucsc.edu

Course Description:

This course will focus on three areas of contemporary moral problems: abortion, war, and torture. Here are some of the questions we will address. What is the moral status of an embryo? Are certain methods of warfare immoral even if one fights for a just cause? Is torture ever 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.

Readings

"Death" by Thomas Nagel
"Abortion" by Joel Feinberg
"A Defense of Abortion" by Judith Jarvis Thomson
"Abortion: Identity and Loss" by Warren Quinn
"The Problem of Abortion and the Doctrine of the Double Effect" by Philippa Foot
"The Justice of the Present War Examined" by Elizabeth Anscombe
"War and Murder" by Elizabeth Anscombe
"Mr. Truman's Degree" by Elizabeth Anscombe
"War and Massacre" by Thomas Nagel
"Self-Defense" by Judith Jarvis Thomson
"Torture" by Henry Shue
"What's Wrong with Torture" by David Sussman
"Regarding the Torture of Others" by Susan Sontag

Assignments

All papers must be completed to pass the course. Improvement over the course can impact your grade favorably.

Three graded papers

• The first paper is 3 pages long and is worth 15% of the total grade. It is due on 1/27.
• The second paper is 4-5 pages long and is worth 20% of the total grade. It is due on 2/17.
• The third paper is 4-6 pages long and worth 29% of the total grade. It is due on 3/10.

Three ungraded papers

Each paper is 1 page long, ungraded, and worth 2% of the total grade (so all three are worth 6% of the total grade). The first is due on 1/13, the second on 2/1, and the third on 2/24.

Three Quizzes

• The first quiz is worth 5% of the total grade. It will be held in class on 1/20.
• The second quiz is worth 5% of the total grade. It will be held in class on 2/10.
• The third quiz is worth 10% of the total grade. It will be held in class on 3/10.

Section participation

Weekly attendance in section and consistent section participation is worth 10% of the total grade.

[top of page]