The University of the West Indies, Mona Campus Faculty of Humanities & Education Department of Language, Linguistics &

Philosophy
Course Code : Course Title : Level : Prerequisite : Credits : Semester : COURSE DESCRIPTION: PHIL 1002 (PH 10B) ETHICS AND APPLIED ETHICS 1 None 3
(Available in 1, 11 and 111-Summer School, 2011/12)

This course introduces students to the theories of the nature and justification of ethical concepts, and decision procedures. Issues include the relation between motive and moral justification. Is morality objective, relative or absolute? Is moral knowledge possible? What is the relation between morality and legality? What is the relation between morality and religion? What is the relation between morality education and work? What is the relation between morality and sociology? What is the relation between morality and politics? Ethical anthropology, Law and conscience. The course also outlines some of the major theories of moral goodness and right action and their relationship with duty. Issues in applied ethics are explored, with a view to sharpening critical thinking about burning contemporary moral issues.

Outline: Part 1 Major Concepts & Theories: (a) Moral truths-Are there facts of the matter about what is morally good or right? (b) Absolutism, Relativism (c) Freedom, Causal determinism and fatalism (d) The alleged gap between fact and value Major Theories: (a) Normative Ethics: (i) Utilitarianism (ii) Deontology (Kantianism) (iii) Virtue Ethics. (b) Meta-ethics: (i) Intuitionism (ii) Emotivism (iii) Prescriptivism Part 2 Contemporary Moral Issues (Applied Ethics): (a) Abortion (b) Capital Punishment (c) Euthanasia (d) Discrimination and Social Interaction Reading List: Clark, Kelly James, Anne Poortenga. The Story of Ethics, Prentice Hall, 2003 Boylan, Michael. Basic Ethics, Prentice Hall, 2000 Glover, Jonathan. Causing Death and Saving Lives, Penguin, 1997 Hinman, Lawrence Ethics, Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, inc. 1994 Hudson, W.D. Modern Moral Philosophy, Macmillan, 1970 James Rachels. The Elements of Moral Philosophy, McGraw Hill 2nd Ed 1993 Thiroux, Jacques P. Ethics, Theory and Practice Prentice Hall 7th Ed 2001(Pres.Text) Velasquez, Manuel G. Business Ethics, Concepts and Cases Prentice Hall, 2006 Instructions: Two lectures and one tutorial per week Evaluation: Tutorial presentation and Participation 10% One essay (2500 words) 30% 1

Final two-hour examination

60%

Department of Language Linguistics and Philosophy

PHIL 1002 (PH 10B) Ethics and applied Ethics Semester 11, 2011/12

Tutorial Topics

1. 2.

Discuss the concept of Absolutism in light of the Divine Command Theory and compare your argument with the concept of Relativism as it relates to Christianity. If there is no freedom of the will, mankind should not be held responsible for their behaviour. Contemplate that view as you as you consider beliefs in Determinism and Fatalism. Can facts be derived from values and vice versa? Discuss with reference to David Humes argument as you answer. Is Utilitarianism a realistic ethical theory? Discuss as you consider Immanuel Kants arguments in support of Deontology. Briefly explain Intuitionism, Emotivism and Prescriptivism, and explain why they are described as Meta-ethical theories. Should abortion be left to the discretion of the expectant parent(s)? Defend your answer. It is said that murder is barbaric, inhumane and irreversible and so is the death penalty. What do you say? Discuss. One of the arguments against euthanasia is that it is a rejection of the importance and value of human life. Give arguments supporting or rejecting this view. Explain racism and suggest ways in which this social evil may be minimised or eliminated. Should the sexual orientation of consenting adults be a concern of the state? Discuss.

3. 4. 5 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

Department of Language Linguistics and Philosophy

PHIL 1002 (PH 10B) Ethics and applied Ethics Semester 11, 2011/12

Essay Topics Due Date:______________2012

1. According to the Divine Command theory there is only one valid unvarying moral code applicable impartially to all persons. Discuss this concept with direct reference to the theory of Relativism. John-Jacques Rousseau said It is the capacity for free choice which distinguishes man from the rest of the animals. Discuss your philosophical views on this claim as it relates to beliefs in fatalism and determinism. Consider G.E. Moores Naturalistic Fallacy as you carefully discuss the is/ ought controversy, in relation to facts and values. Critically discuss the possible influence of Intuitionism on moral decision making, as it relates to lawmaking and ethical judgements in our society. According to the theory of Utilitarianism, morality is determined by the consequence of ones action. But Immanuel Kant says it is the motive for our action that determines morality. Discuss fully. The practice of abortion should be within the jurisdiction of those directly affected and not the medical and legal authorities. Critically comment. The death penalty is appropriate punishment murder. Discuss fully. Consider the moral and social ramifications of Racism in modern society. What are the possible solutions to these problems? Discuss Discuss the effect of same sex marriage on family life, as you contemplate childrens rights and the rights and responsibilities of consenting adults. Fully discuss the phenomenon of extortion and its effects on business operations and community life in Jamaica and other Caribbean countries; and suggest practical solutions to this problem.

2.

3. 4. 5.

6. 7. 8. 9. 10.