PHI 5937: Theoretical and Applied Ethics

Burnett Honors College, Room 126

Thursdays, 7:00-9:50 p.m.

INSTRUCTOR AND CONTACT INFORMATION

Dr. Nancy Stanlick

CNH 411-I

e-mail: stanlick@pegasus.cc.ucf.edu

407 823-5459 or (Dept. Office) 407-823-2273

Office Hours: Tues, Thurs 1:15-2:15; Wednesday 10:30-12:00, & by appointment

REQUIRED TEXT AND OTHER READINGS:

C. E. Harris, Applying Moral Theories, 4^th ed., Wadsworth 2002

Various articles, book chapters, and Internet Resources – see schedule, below (these will be added throughout the semester)

COURSE REQUIREMENTS AND GRADED WEIGHT:

Presentations = 30% (at least 2 per person)
Essays = 30% (variable)
Research Paper = 20%
Attendance/Participation/Other Writing Assignments = 20%

PHI 5937 (Theoretical and Applied Ethics) is a research-oriented course in normative (prescriptive) ethics with emphasis on application to specific issues. Three major normative ethical theories will serve as the primary backdrop for discussion and analysis of issues. Those theories are classical and contemporary virtue theory, deontological ethics, and Utilitarianism. Other theories of ethics (e.g., contractarian ethics) will also be relevant. Specific issues are Integrity, Self-Respect, The Ethics of Friendship, and Loyalty.

This is a writing and research-intensive course. It is necessary to attend regularly, to contribute to discussions, to critique presentations, and to immerse yourself in attention to details of ethical theories and the application of theories to practical issues.

Objectives of the course include but are not limited to development of critical and analytical ability, including proficiency in discussing and dissecting theoretical principles and particular aspects of complicated moral problems as well as honing of research and writing skills appropriate for a graduate level course.

GRADING SCALE/POLICIES

A	95-100%	C	74-76%
A-	90-94%	C-	70-73%
B+	87-89%	D+	67-69%
B	84-86%	D	64-66%
B-	80-83%	D-	60-63%
C+	77-79%	F	0-59%

Plagiarism or cheating of any kind will result at least in an “F” for that assignment (and may, depending on the severity of the case, lead to an “F” for the entire course) and may be subject to appropriate referral to the Office of Student Conduct for further action. See the UCF Golden Rule for further information. Do not buy, steal, borrow, or otherwise obtain papers, essays, or materials for presentation from websites, file cabinets, fraternity or sorority files, your friends or relatives, or any other source. Any materials, websites, books, articles, lectures, discussions, published or unpublished papers, etc., that you use to create for-credit assignments MUST be referenced/cited appropriately. See, for example, the MLA Manual or Chicago Manual of Style for information. Remember that Internet sources and resources are not always reliable sources of information. Choose them carefully. Furthermore, keep in mind that information published or posted on the Internet is not always “public domain” and is copyright protected, and even in cases in which it is “public domain” material, it is still necessary to cite your sources.
Papers, essays, assignments, etc., must be your own work. There is nothing wrong with seeking the assistance of others to check grammar, spelling, punctuation, and even some elements of content. For example, asking someone to read a section of your paper to see whether it “makes sense” is a good idea. Having that person make changes to your paper and then submitting those changes as your own is not.

SCHEDULE – topics, dates, etc. under construction throughout the semester.

This on-line schedule will be updated frequently and will include topics of presentations by course participants. Each class meeting will be divided between lectures, presentations, discussion and written assignments. Even when you are not presenting on a particular evening, it is necessary to be sure to have reviewed relevant information on the topic and to be prepared not only to participate in discussion regarding that issue, but also to be prepared to engage in written assignments involving that particular topic. Class meetings not including presentations by other students will still include lectures (think of them as presentations by the instructor) for which you should prepare diligently for discussion and written assignments. Suggested and required readings appear in the schedule, below.

Date	Topic	Readings & Links: Note that external readings are often given with partial citations. This is done intentionally. Use Philosopher’s Index and other research sources to obtain the articles. Some articles listed with links are available ONLY IF you are using UCF (e.g., On-campus, Pegasus or proxy) access.	Presentations	Assignments/Announcements
1. 8/22	Introductory Information Requirements Schedule of Presentations Lecture on Chapters 1-3: What is Ethics, Subjectivist and Objectivist Theories	Chs. 1-3
2. 8/29	Chapter 4: Moral Theories: Background Chapter 5: Egoism Chapter 6: Natural Law	Chs. 4-6 Regis, “What is Ethical Egoism?”	Outline of major topics in ch. 1-6 Sample Presentation Evaluation Form	Presentation schedule update – choose at least two – and one per person MUST be done before October 17. Presentation Evaluation Sheets – html version MSWord File for presentation evaluations
3. 9/5	Chapter 7: Utilitarianism	Continue chs. 4-6 & Ethical Egoism; Ch. 7 Mill’s *Utilitarianism* J.J.C. Smart on A & R Utilitarianism	· Act and Rule Utilitarianism – H. S. · Major Problems of Utilitarianism – J. Z.	*Presentations have been set. Check to be sure that yours is correct.* Presentation evaluations by K.K., F.C., R.L., and R.T. are/were due by Mon. 9/9
4. 9/12	Chapter 8: Deontology and Respect for Persons	Ch. 8 Kant’s *Grounding for the Metaphysics of Morals*	· The Meaning of the Categorical Imperative – K. K. · Limitations of Kantian Ethics - N. M-D	First Essay is available through this link. It is due on 9/17 at or before 9:00 p.m. PLEASE REMEMBER TO SEND ME A BRIEF BIBLIOGRAPHY FOR YOUR PRESENTATION AT LEAST TWO DAYS PRIOR TO THE DATE OF THE PRESENTATION. Presentation evaluations on Kantian deontology are due by Mon. 9/16. Evaluations will be assigned in class.
5. 9/19	Chapter 9: Virtue Theory	Ch. 9 1. *Essential Background:* Aristotle’s *Nicomachean Ethics, Bks. I-III, V and VI Contemporary look at virtue ethics:* Daniel Statman, Virtue Ethics (available on NetLibrary), introductory chapter “Introduction to Virtue Ethics” *These three (below) are “recommended” for background – and the last two are the subject-matter of the essay due on 9/19 (tonight)* Michael Stocker on the Schizophrenia of Modern Moral Theories Schneewind on MacIntyre’s virtue ethics MacIntyre’s Reply	· Aristotle’s Virtue Theory - (OPEN) – N.S. · Contemporary Virtue Ethics – N.S.	Due tonight: your critical commentary on MacIntyre’s position (3-5 pp, typed) List of references/sources for the presentation on contemporary virtue ethics (compiled by F.C.): MacIntyre, A. After Virtue: A Study in Moral Theory (2nd edition). Notre Dame: University of Notre Dame Press. 1984. MacIntyre, A. Whose Justice? Which Rationality? Notre Dame: University of Notre Dame Press. 1988. Statman, D. (Ed.). Virtue Ethics. Washington D.C.: Georgetown University Press. 1997. Sandel, M. J. “The procedural republic and the unencumbered self.” Political Theory, 12(1). Feb. 1984. pp. 81-96. Gutmann, A. “Communitarian critics of liberalism. Philosophy and Public Affairs, 14(3). Summer 1985.” pp. 308-322.
6. 9/26	Integrity	Lynne McFall, “Integrity”	· What is Integrity? – J. R.	List compiled by J.R. Boyle, James. ‘Anachronism of the moral sentiments? Integrity, postmodernism, and justice.’ Stanford Law Review, Feb 1999 v51 i3 p493(1) Calhoun, Chesire . ‘Standing for Something.’ Journal of Philosophy XCII, (1995), pp. 235-260. Friedman, Marilyn. ‘The Practice of Partiality.’ Ethics, Vol. 101, No. 4. (Jul., 1991), pp. 818-835. Gutmann, James. ‘Integrity as a Standard of Evaluation.’ Journal of Philosophy, Vol. 42, No. 8. (Apr. 13, 1945), pp. 210-216. McFall, Lynne. ‘Integrity.’ Ethics 98, (1987), pp. 5-20.
7. 10/3	Integrity (Application)	*“Cheating” in Gert, Morality: Its Nature and Justification* – check the index, and esp. pp. 191-194 (handout may also be distributed in class) An excerpt from Sisela Bok’s Lying, pp. 24-25**	· What is the relationship of integrity to ethics? – L.S. · Application 1 of the concept of integrity – OPEN – N.S. ·	Bibliography for first presentation: Calhoun, Chesire. “Standing for Something.” The Journal of Philosophy 92 (1995): 235-260. JSTOR. University of Central Florida Library. Stable URL <http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0022-362X%28199505%2992%3A5%3C235%3ASFS%3E2.0.CO%3B2-G> Carr, Spencer. “The Integrity of a Utiliarian.” Ethics 86 (1976): 241-246. JSTOR. University of Central Florida Library. Stable URL: <http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0014-1704%28197604%2986%3A3%3C241%3ATIOAU%3E2.0.CO%3B2-N> Cox, Damian, Marguerite La Caze, and Michael P. Levine, “Integrity”, The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Fall 2002 edition), Edward N. Zalta (ed.), URL <http://plato.stanford.edu/archives/fall2002/entries/integrity/> McFall, Lynn. “Integrity.” Ethics 98 (1987): 5-20. JSTOR. University of Central Florida Library. Stable URL <http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0014-1704%28198710%2998%3A1%3C5%3AI%3E2.0.CO%3B2-I> Scheffler, Samuel. The Rejection of Consequentialism: A Philosophical Investigation of the Considerations Underlying Rival Moral Concepts. Rev. ed. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1994. Williams, Bernard. “A Critique of Utilitarianism,” in Utiliarianism: For and Against. Ed. J.J.C. Smart and Bernard Williams. Cambridge: Cambridge UP, 1973. For the second presentation tonight (application): See this link: Academic Integrity Presentation
8. 10/10	Self-Respect and Human Dignity	Not available online, “Kant on Self-Respect,” Stephen J. Massey, in Journal of the History of Philosophy, 1983; 21: 57-74 (hard copy in UCF Library).	· Application 2 of the concept of integrity – N. M-D.
9. 10/17	Self-Respect (Application)	Robin Dillon on Self Respect and Forgiveness	· What is the moral status of valuing oneself? – K.K. · How does self-respect relate to respect for others? – R.T.	You will find Marilyn Frye’s book, The Politics of Reality, on reserve in the library under this course number, PHI 5937. The chapter you need from it is called “In and Out of Harm’s Way: Arrogance and Love.” The chapter is related to the concept of self-respect, to love, to oppression, to moral responsibility, and other elements of this course that we either have discussed or will discuss. The chapter is the subject-matter of the second essay for this course that will be due on Oct. 31 in class. What you need to do is write an overview and critical appraisal (with your position included in this critique) of her position. Whether you agree or disagree, you need to justify your position regarding Frye’s analysis. This essay should be approximately 5-8 pages in length, double-spaced. If you single-space, do not exceed 6 pages.
10. 10/24	Friendship	Elizabeth Cady Stanton, “Solitude of Self” Ralph Waldo Emerson, “Self Reliance” Ralph Waldo Emerson, “Friendship” Montaigne, “Of Friendship” Marcia Baron, “Impartiality and Friendship” (available online- JSTOR) Richard White, “Friendship and Commitment,” Journal of Value Inquiry (available online)		The presentation originally scheduled for tonight (10/24) have been moved. L.S. will do hers on 10/31 and J.R.’s will follow also on the 31^st. Tonight, I’ll be dealing with a combination of Stanton, Emerson, Montaigne and other works related to the philosophical/ethical value/application of the concepts of self-respect, impartiality, and friendship. Don’t forget that there is an essay due next week (10/31). Whenever you have a presentation due, PLEASE remember to send me a working bibliography by Tuesday of that week so that it can be posted in this web-based syllabus. CRITICAL/ANALYTICAL/EXPOSITORY ESSAY DUE TOMORROW (FRIDAY 10/25) BY 11:00 p.m.: Using Stanton’s “Solitude of Self” and Emerson’s “Self-Reliance,” elaborate on and argue for these works’ relevance to the moral scope of any two of the following (in the numbered list – that is, the numbers refer to each individual topic, so “individual and community” is not two topics, it is one): 1. Individual and community 2. Duty to self and others 3. Responsibility for self and others 4. Trust in self and others Your essay should be between 3 and 5 typed pages, whether single-or double spaced. You may and should e-mail the essay to me. It is due no later than 11:00 p.m. on Friday the 25^th. You will have at least part of tonight’s class meeting time to devote to appropriate reading and preparation for this essay (which should be ample time) since Emerson and Stanton were assigned for a previous class meeting date.
11. 10/31	Friendship (Application)	(Supererogation) Paul McNamara, "Making Room for Going Beyond the Call," in Mind, available through Info-Trac online.	· Why is friendship an ethical concern? – L. S. · Application of the moral value of friendship – J. R.	FINAL RESEARCH PAPERS WERE DUE ON 11/21, BUT THEY ARE NOW DUE ON DECEMBER 3 AT 7:00 P.M. Bibliography for Reynolds’ presentation on 11/7: Jacquette, Dale. “Aristotle on the Value of Friendship as a Motivation for Morality.” Journal of Value Inquiry. S 01; 35(3): 371-389. Cates, Diana. Virtue, Friendship and Compassion for Friends. University of Notre Dame Press, 1997. Callenbach, Ernest and Leefeldt, Christine. The Art of Friendship. NY: Pantheon Books, 1979. Blosser, Philip, ed., and Bradley Marshall Carl, ed. Friendship: Philosophic Reflections on a Perennial Concern. Univ. Press of America. 1997.
12. 11/7	Loyalty	R.E. Ewin, “Loyalty and the Virtues,” Philosophical Quarterly, 1992. Lisa Tessman, “Dangerous Loyalties and Liberatory Politics,” Hypatia, 1998 (in Project Muse).	· What is loyalty? – J. Z. · Why is loyalty relevant to ethics? – R. T.
13. 11/14	Loyalty (Application)	Patriotism: Emma Goldman on patriotism – online version	· Application 1 of the concept of loyalty – Patriotism – N. M-D. · Terrorism, Patriotism, Loyalty – H.S.	Course/instructor evaluations tonight. Presentations for tonight are: 1. Continuation and completion of J. Zehnder on loyalty. 2. R. Thomas on loyalty and ethics. 3. N. Marquez-Diaz on patriotism. 4. H. Shoff on The Ethics of War and Terrorism. Presentation 1 has ½ hour remaining. The other three presentations will go from 7:30-10:00, which leaves approximately 40-45 minutes per presentation.
14. 11/21	Last regular class meeting		Overview	I will be out of town to deliver a paper at a conference. Please use this class meeting time to work on outlines of papers (papers are due on 12/3) and to catch up on evaluations and other course requirements. Remember that if you have any questions regarding papers, requirements, sources, etc., you should come by during my office hours. Research papers are due IN CLASS AT 7:00 P.M. ON DECEMBER 3 (Tuesday night).
15. 11/28	THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY
16. 12/3-12/9	Finals Week – December 3rd		Final Research papers due in class at 7:00 p.m.	DISCUSSION OF ISSUES, GRADES, PRESENTATIONS, ETC.

Now for the details:

Presentations:

1. Every person in this course will do at least 2 in-class presentations, but not more than four. This depends upon the number of people in the course divided by the number of presentation topics. There are 22 topics.

2. Topics as they are listed are general enough to accommodate your own particular interests within the framework of the topic. So, for example, with respect to loyalty, you may be interested in the moral value of patriotism and think of it as a form of loyalty (or even of disloyalty to some particular ideal, group, conviction, etc.). In this case, your presentation could be focused on the notion of patriotism as a virtue/vice, as moral or immoral, etc. and justify your position with respect to the topic.

3. The first class meeting will include a discussion regarding possible theoretical problems and applied/topical aspects of the course that should help you to decide the theories and applications on which you wish to do a presentation. We’ll fill out the schedule of presentations during the first class meeting and fine-tune it during the second one.

4. Your presentations can be done in a variety of ways. You may be proficient in the use of computer technology and create PowerPoint presentations or website content to present your position and research. You may be more comfortable with low-tech presentations – you talk, illustrate, write on a blackboard/whiteboard. You may prefer to stand or you may prefer to sit. But whatever you choose to do as a manner of presentation, make sure that you have an outline available for other people in the course so that they can follow more efficiently the presentation and major points you are making.

5. Presentations will range from 20 minutes to 1 hour each. This will be determined by a number of factors, including your skill at presentations, discussion of the issues, and critical evaluation of the problems your presentation raises or resolves.

Writing Assignments:

1. To evaluate the ideas in presentations, as well as those in readings for the course, critical appraisals of ideas, arguments, theories, issues, etc., will be required from time to time. I anticipate no more than 5 short writing assignments (3-5 pp. each if done outside of class, 1-3 pp. each if done in class. Clarification: These writing assignments are those included in the 30% category. Two presentation reviews will be included in the 30% category, and 2 will be in the 20% (attendance/participation/writing assignment) category. Presentation reviews will be worth 5% each of the grade for this course.).

2. Remember that there are no examinations in this course. That’s a relief, isn’t it?

Research Paper:

As you know, there’s a research paper due on Nov. 21 that is worth 20% of your grade.
Because this is a graduate level course, and because it is focused on research and the analysis of issues well beyond the basics, you need to choose your topic wisely. The way to do that is to make sure that what you choose for your research is something you find compelling, something that is important to you within the framework of the course content. To be specific, your research paper needs to be focused on an ethical issue more than on an ethical theory (although it is certainly relevant to discuss and use an ethical theory or theories in the formation of your position on an issue). For example, suppose that you are interested in friendship as an applied ethical concept and have found the notion of sisterhood or brotherhood as a problematic aspect of friendship in the sense that it violates a notion of objectivity that some have argued is an absolutely essential characteristic of that which counts as moral or ethical. To write a paper like this, you would need to understand the philosophical background of the concept of friendship; you would have to explain how brotherhood or sisterhood is an aspect or type of friendship; you would have to explain why objectivity is/is not important in the ethical realm, and then deal with the problem as you see it yourself, weaving these issues into the context and content of your argument. In other words, YOUR POSITION COUNTS.
Your paper must be at least 8 typed (double-spaced) pages in length (not counting notes and references), but not more than 20 pages.

Other Considerations:

1. Please remember to attend class regularly. Without regular attendance, a person doing a presentation has less “feedback” on his or her presentation if you are not there to hear it. In addition, if you don’t show up, it’s disrespectful of the person or persons who are presenting that evening. Furthermore, if you’re not there, you lose out on the value of the research another person has done. For example, you may find in another person’s presentation not only a reference that might be useful for your research paper, but also a manner of argumentation, or a principle or theory, that will be useful in support of your own position. Add to that the possibility that you may also be able to respond to another person’s presentation in the formulation of your position for a paper, or for your own presentation.

2. You will find it difficult to respond critically (the content of writing assignments) to another person’s presentation if you are not in attendance.

3. If you are ill or injured, it is of course understandable that you would miss a class. I’m reasonable about things like that.

4. Grades, Grading: Generally speaking, papers will be graded based on three elements. They are content, critical analysis, and general stylistic and structural considerations. Content will count as 35% of any graded assignment. Content (35%) refers to the use of sources (primary and secondary), and your ability to present and interpret the information. Critical analysis (35%) refers to the development of your position based on the content aspect of the problem or theory you are discussing. Clarity and quality of argumentation are considerations here. Style/Structure (30%) refers to grammar, spelling, and punctuation. These things count. Please write clearly, carefully and with conviction.