Ethics Center

Philosophy Courses

Fall 2008 UPPER DIVISION

PHH 3100 ANCIENT PHILOSOPHY: CRN: 81049; TR 1340-1455; Instructor: J. Zinser; In this course we study the origins of the largest philosophical questions in ancient Greece. Beginning with the Presocratics, we will go on to examine the work of Socrates, Plato, Aristotle and the Hellenistic philosophers. We’ll ask about the kind of life human beings ought to lead, the nature of justice and morality, the basic constituents of the world, and the nature and limits of human knowledge. Once we understand the views of the Greek philosophers, and their arguments for these views, we’ll need to decide whether or not to accept them ourselves as guides to leading our own lives. PHH 3100 is course required of all philosophy majors.
PHI 3601 Ethics: CRN: 80407; MW 1500-1615; Instructor: D. Callcut; What is morality? What is its basis? What norms or principles should guide our actions? This course offers a detailed investigation of these fundamental questions. We will examine theories about the source of morality (topics from the area known as metaethics) and theories concerning how we ought to structure our moral thought and action (topics from the area known as normative theory). We will be concerned throughout to see how metaethical and normative questions interrelate: what are the arguments, for example, for thinking that moral norms derive from different cultural ways of life, and what effect should agreement with such arguments have on one’s moral outlook? The fact that this is primarily a course in abstract theory does not mean that we will not devote time to the discussion of real life moral problems and dilemmas. Indeed, one major goal of the course will be the exploration of the relationship between ethical theory and everyday life. PHI 3601 is a course required of all philosophy majors.
PHI 3641 BUSINESS ETHICS: CRN: 80603; MW 1930-2045; Instructor: M. Haney; Students will probe various moral questions arising within business's concerns with property, risk-benefit relationships, use of information, and competition. Students will be prepared for this endeavor through focused study of several models of ethical decision-making which should impact market institutions, organizational structures, as well as individuals that comprise the essential elements of the world of business.
PHI 3930 PHILOSOPHY OF LOVE AND SEX: CRN: 82673; MW 1630-1745; Instructor: C. Taylor; In this course, we will look at the history of philosophies of love and sex, from the Plato and Aristotle through Freud, up to contemporary writings. We will conclude by reading Foucault's History of Sexuality: An Introduction. Throughout the semester, we will question whether sex, sexuality, and romantic love are (to some extent) biological, natural, and instinctual or if they are historical and social constructions which change to fit transformations in ideologies over time. The focus of this course will be the epistemological questions concerning the philosophy of love, sex and sexuality, and the philosophy of the history of love, sex, and sexuality, however in the process political and ethical questions will also arise. For instance, we will discuss the politics and ethics of medical interventions in sex, sexuality and love.
PHM 3050 DEATH AND DYING: CRN: 82683; MW 1200-1315; Instructor : A. Swota; According to many, death is one of the greatest evil that confronts human beings. But what exactly is death and why do we fear it? In this course, we take an interdisciplinary approach to death and dying in order to understand some of the ethical, medical, and legal issues surrounding death and dying. Topics to be covered include whether life is always preferable to death, deciding how much control we should have over our own deaths, how much control (if any) advance directives should have in directing end-of-life treatment plans, how much cost should play a role in deciding whether expensive treatments which provide little benefit are offered to patients, the moral obligation of doctors to disclose information to their patients, different criteria for determining death, and whether one is allowed to bring about or assist in the death of another. The main objectives of the course are to introduce students to some of the central issues in the philosophy of death and dying, to encourage open communication about death, dying and our own mortality, to foster appreciation of the experiences and needs of the dying, to help students form a mature attitude toward death, and, at the same time, toward life.
PHM 3100 SOCIAL PHILOSOPHY: CRN: 82678; T 1800-2045; Instructor: H. Koegler; This course is an advanced introduction to the most important themes and thinkers in social philosophy. In contrast to metaphysics, rationalism, and empiricism, social philosophers argue that basic aspects of our cognitive and ethical experience are socially constituted. Rationality, agency, freedom—and even truth and meaning—are seen as grounded in social processes and dependent on social institutions. This course will reconstruct the viability of this approach by framing the discussion around a theory of human agency in contemporary society. This will involve the analysis of (1) social ontology and the importance of capitalism, (2) social power and its impact on culture and self, and (3) agency and freedom under conditions of social constraints. The discussion includes the core of the most influential social philosophers such as Marx, Weber, Durkheim, Habermas, Foucault, Bourdieu, and Mead, among others.
PHM 3400 PHILOSOPHY OF LAW: CRN: 82685; TR 1630-1745; Instructor: A. Buchwalter; This course explores basic concepts in legal theory and jurisprudence, including rights, liberties, justice, constitutionalism, authority, liability, responsibility, punishment, equal treatment, the rule of law, and the legal practice. Special attention will be given to the nature of law itself, as thematized in classical writings and the most contemporary discussions. We also consider the nature of legal reasoning and interpretation, the relationship of law and economics, the place of law in international justice, as well as the relationship of law to democracy and matters of contemporary public policy. In applying legal theory to specific events and concrete cases, we consider, among other things, current issues in international law like humanitarian intervention, freedom of expression and hate speech, the relationship of church and state, the insanity defense, as well as controversies surrounding critical race theory, critical legal studies, feminist jurisprudence, and other alternative theories.
PHP 3786 EXISTENTIALISM: CRN: 82680; R 1800-2045; Instructor: M. Skees; This course offers a systematic introduction into major issues and ideas of philosophical existentialism. We will focus first on the 19th century forerunners of existentialism and then direct our attention towards the classic 20th century positions. Existential thought combines engaged reflection on the (undefined) nature of humans with an ethical commitment to freedom and authenticity; it emphasizes the unavoidability of having to choose our lives, analyzes the sources of self-deception and choice-avoidance, and considers real possibilities of living ethically and authentically. Roughly, we explore the conception of human nature as freedom first, then discuss the relation toward others, to finally focus on the scope and possibility of an existentialist ethics. The class concludes with an assessment of the future of existentialism in light of recent developments in Continental Philosophy. We shall draw on both philosophical and literary works. Authors to be discussed include Nietzsche, Kierkegaard, Heidegger, Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, and Camus.
PHI 4300 EPISTEMOLOGY: CRN: 82675; TR 1340-1455; Instructor: J. Fisher; This course is a comprehensive survey of the contemporary problems of epistemology and their historical sources. It requires some prior exposure to philosophy and some familiarity with basic philosophical concepts. The course will cover several different topics central to a proper understanding of the nature of knowledge. Among the topics that will be discussed are scepticism, the nature of perception, the problem of induction, and the ethics of belief. In addition, we will spend some time examining exactly what knowledge is, and distinguishing and exploring the different types of knowledge we might have. Prerequisite: one course in philosophy.
PHI 4935 SEM: HUME ON RELIGION: CRN: 82676; TR 1630-1745; Instructor: J. Maraldo; There are two questions concerning religious belief that demand the attention of philosophers. The first is an epistemological question that concerns whether, or the extent to which, religious belief is founded in reason. The second is a psychological question that concerns the way in which religious belief is grounded in human nature. David Hume is one of the seminal figures in philosophy who developed critiques of religious belief that address each of these compelling questions. In this seminar, we will focus on Hume’s writings on religion, examining themes both in epistemology and in cognitive psychology, and examine the merits of Hume’s arguments and the way in which they have helped shape the contemporary debate about the reasons and the causes of religious belief.

Graduate Courses

Fall 2008

PHI 5605 Ethics: CRN: 81087; W 1800-2045; Instructor: D. Callcut; This seminar provides an advanced level survey of contemporary ethical theory. The course will aim 1) to consolidate and expand each student’s knowledge of important recent work in moral philosophy, 2) to pay special attention to the relationship between ethical theory and moral practice, and 3) to provide the necessary foundation in ethical theory for other graduate level offerings. A section of PHI 5605 is required of all students in the M.A. program in Practical Philosophy and Applied Ethics.
PHI 6937 PROSEMINAR I: PRACT PHILOSOPHY: CRN: 81052; M 1800-2045; Instructor: A. Buchwalter; This course is an advanced-level introduction to central themes in social and political philosophy, with emphasis on their application to trends in current social life. The course is divided into three main parts. Part I reviews main trends in ancient and modern political theory, focusing especially on the distinction between liberalism and republicanism. Part II explores efforts by contemporary political and social theorists to conceptualize matters like justice, liberty, and democracy. Part III extends analyses conducted earlier in the course to normative issues related to the phenomenon of globalization, focusing on global justice, transnational democracy, and universal human rights. Readings draw on writers from diverse traditions and orientations. The course seeks to enhance advance level philosophical writing skills. A section of PHI 6937 is required of all students in the M.A. program in Practical Philosophy and Applied Ethics.
PHI 5628 BUSINESS ETHICS: CRN: 82672; MW 1930-2045; Instructor: M. Haney; Students will probe various moral questions arising within business's concerns with property, risk-benefit relationships, use of information, and competition. Students will be prepared for this endeavor through focused study of several models of ethical decision-making which should impact market institutions, organizational structures, as well as individuals that comprise the essential elements of the world of business.
PHI 5934 PHILOSOPHY OF LOVE AND SEX: CRN: 82674; Mw 1630-1745; Instructor: C. Taylor; In this course, we will look at the history of philosophies of love and sex, from the Plato and Aristotle through Freud, up to contemporary writings. We will conclude by reading Foucault's History of Sexuality: An Introduction. Throughout the semester, we will question whether sex, sexuality, and romantic love are (to some extent) biological, natural, and instinctual or if they are historical and social constructions which change to fit transformations in ideologies over time. The focus of this course will be the epistemological questions concerning the philosophy of love, sex and sexuality, and the philosophy of the history of love, sex, and sexuality, however in the process political and ethical questions will also arise. For instance, we will discuss the politics and ethics of medical interventions in sex, sexuality and love. This course advances graduate studies in the MA of Practical Philosophy and Applied Ethics by exploring the nature and politics of some key areas of social experience – sex, sexuality, gender, and love – and by posing specific questions in sexual and medical ethics, such as the morality of sex and gender reassignment therapies.
PHI 5934 EXISTENTIALISM: CRN: 82681; R 1800-2045; Instructor: M. Skees; This course offers a systematic introduction into major issues and ideas of philosophical existentialism. We will focus first on the 19th century forerunners of existentialism and then direct our attention towards the classic 20th century positions. Existential thought combines engaged reflection on the (undefined) nature of humans with an ethical commitment to freedom and authenticity; it emphasizes the unavoidability of having to choose our lives, analyzes the sources of self-deception and choice-avoidance, and considers real possibilities of living ethically and authentically. Roughly, we explore the conception of human nature as freedom first, then discuss the relation toward others, to finally focus on the scope and possibility of an existentialist ethics. The class concludes with an assessment of the future of existentialism in light of recent developments in Continental Philosophy. We shall draw on both philosophical and literary works. Authors to be discussed include Nietzsche, Kierkegaard, Heidegger, Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, and Camus. This course contributes to graduate studies in practical philosophy by addressing not only the very idea of human freedom or agency, but also focusing on the possibility and applicability of an existentialist ethics.
PHM 5065 DEATH AND DYING: CRN: 82684; MW 1200-1315; Instructor: A. Swota; According to many, death is one of the greatest evil that confronts human beings. But what exactly is death and why do we fear it? In this course, we take an interdisciplinary approach to death and dying in order to understand some of the ethical, medical, and legal issues surrounding death and dying. Topics to be covered include whether life is always preferable to death, deciding how much control we should have over our own deaths, how much control (if any) advance directives should have in directing end-of-life treatment plans, how much cost should play a role in deciding whether expensive treatments which provide little benefit are offered to patients, the moral obligation of doctors to disclose information to their patients, different criteria for determining death, and whether one is allowed to bring about or assist in the death of another. The main objectives of the course are to introduce students to some of the central issues in the philosophy of death and dying, to encourage open communication about death, dying and our own mortality, to foster appreciation of the experiences and needs of the dying, to help students form a mature attitude toward death, and, at the same time, toward life.
PHM 5105 SOCIAL PHILOSOPHY: CRN: 82677; T 1800-2045; Instructor: H. Koegler; This course is an advanced introduction to the most important themes and thinkers in social philosophy. In contrast to metaphysics, rationalism, and empiricism, social philosophers argue that basic aspects of our cognitive and ethical experience are socially constituted. Rationality, agency, freedom—and even truth and meaning—are seen as grounded in social processes and dependent on social institutions. This course will reconstruct the viability of this approach by framing the discussion around a theory of human agency in contemporary society. This will involve the analysis of (1) social ontology and the importance of capitalism, (2) social power and its impact on culture and self, and (3) agency and freedom under conditions of social constraints. The discussion includes the most influential social philosophers such as Marx, Weber, Durkheim, Habermas, Foucault, Bourdieu, and Mead, among others. The course advances graduate studies in the MA of Practical Philosophy and Applied Ethics in particular by systematically addressing the issue of agency and structure as well as the social construction of experience and reality.
PHM 5405 PHILOSOPHY OF LAW: CRN: 82686; TR 1630-1745; Instructor: A. Buchwalter; This course explores basic concepts in legal theory and jurisprudence, including rights, liberties, justice, constitutionalism, authority, liability, responsibility, punishment, equal treatment, the rule of law, and the legal practice. Special attention will be given to the nature of law itself, as thematized in classical writings and the most contemporary discussions. We also consider the nature of legal reasoning and interpretation, the relationship of law and economics, the place of law in international justice, as well as the relationship of law to democracy and matters of contemporary public policy. In applying legal theory to specific events and concrete cases, we consider, among other things, current issues in international law like humanitarian intervention, freedom of expression and hate speech, the relationship of church and state, the insanity defense, as well as controversies surrounding critical race theory, critical legal studies, feminist jurisprudence, and other alternative theories. The graduate section of this course accords special consideration to advanced themes in international law as well as such new trends in legal theory as discourse theory.

Religious Studies Courses

Fall 2008 UPPER DIVISION

REL 3148 RELIGION AND VIOLENCE: CRN: 82687; MW 16:30-17:45; Instructor: J. Ingersoll; After the events of September 11, many commentators and scholars, wishing to ensure that the American public did not blame Islam for the violence, sought to argue that Islam is a peaceful religion and that violent Muslims are not “real” Muslims. This perspective is based in several problematic assumptions. First, it assumes that there is such a thing as "real (authentic) religion" that exists independent of its cultural expressions; second, it assumes that elites in the mainstream are the only ones who can say what a religion “really” is; third, it assumes that religion is always “good.” This course will seek to problematize those assumptions (about Islam, but about other religions as well). We will look at studies of several different groups (Muslim, Christian, Buddhist) that claim religious justifications for violence and then explore some theoretical perspectives aimed at explaining the relationship between religion and violence.
REL 3293 GENESIS: CRN: 82688; TR 925-1040; E. Daniell; This course will be a close reading of the collection of stories and characters in the first book of the Hebrew Bible, Genesis. We will study the stories from a literary point of view by examining story-telling techniques. We will also examine how these stories have been used in both Christianity and Islam. As with all Biblical texts, the stories come uninterpreted and we will examine how interpretations are made.
REL 3930 SAINTS AND SINNERS: CRN: 82689; TR 1630-1745; Instructor: L. Ammon; Biographies and autobiographies give us new ways to think about the ways religion and religious issues affect us personally. These are often publicly controversial issues that individuals reflect on privately but rarely discuss. This course will explore different ways individuals understand religion in their lives through a variety of texts. We will discover the ways authors have portrayed religion, class, race, culture, economics, and history in their lives. We will analyze contemporary biographies, autobiographies, films, television shows, and short stories, to explore ways that authors construct their worlds and reconstruct ours. Through discussion and written assignments, this course will interrogate texts, comparing these worlds with our own. In order to help make comparison between their lives and ours, we will engage in directed autobiographical writing, to explore our inner worlds as we read about the interior lives of others. In addition to reading, we will be writing and rewriting assignments to develop critical thinking skills using the ideas examined in this seminar.
REL 3936 SPRITUAL PRACTICES: CRN: 82690; MW 1330-1445; Instructor: J. Young; Deepen your understanding about how different world religious traditions and contemporary individual leaders integrate their personal spiritual practices with their efforts to reform their larger communities and to help a needy world. Readings and lectures will focus on 20th century and prominent contemporaries from Dr. King and Mother Theresa to the Dalai Lama and Fred Schultz. On a foundation of spiritual stage theory as well as contemporary ideas about leadership and philanthropy, we will consider how people change the world as they grow their own spirits. In small groups, the students will explore a local organization and interview some of its leaders and participants about these issues. Each student will also have the opportunity to write a paper that explores integrating a particular spiritual practice with specific community efforts of significant interest to each student. Grades will be based equally upon: a mid-term exam, a small group project, an individual paper, and class participation.
REL 3936 THE PROBLEM OF EVIL: CRN: 82691; TR 1505-1620; Instructor: M. Treyez; Why does a good God allow bad things to happen? Why do good people do bad things? How are evil and suffering related? What role does free will play? These are some of the questions we will be asking over the course of the semester. We will examine the traditional answers to these problems, beginning with the biblical story of Job and moving to answers involving Satan, process theology, evil as a “soul-making” mechanism, and the standard eschatological solutions of heaven and hell. We will look beyond theology to the work of social psychologist Philip Zimbardo in his book The Lucifer Effect. Finally, we will turn to the fiction of holocaust survivor Eli Wiesel and Roman Catholic writer Flannery O’Connor in their works “The Night” and “A Good Man is Hard to Find.” Those with practical experience in evil are encouraged to attend.