Philosophy 130: Introduction to Ethics

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Philosophy 130 Introduction to Ethics

• Professor Hubin

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Donald C. Hubin

• e-mail hubin.1_at_osu.edu
• Office 337N University Hall
• Phone [phone]
• Hours Monday 1000 - 1100
  Tuesday 130 - 230 And by
  Appointment
• Web www. cohums.ohio-state.edu
  /philo/people/faculty/hubin.1/

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Teaching Associates

• Julian Cole
• Debra Dority
• Office 214 University Hall
• Phone [phone]

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University Hall
230 North Oval Mall
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Course Objectives

• To develop a better understanding of the nature
  and basis of moral judgment
• To develop a better understanding of and
  appreciation of good moral argumentation
• To improve thinking about the specific moral
  issues discussed

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Textbook

• Morality and Moral Controversies
  (Fifth Edition), John Arthur (ed.)

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Course Requirements

• Midterm Exam (30)
• Final Exam (30)
• Two Short Papers (15 each)
• Discussion Section (10) Participation,
  Quizzes, Etc.

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Partial Outline

• Introduction
• Theoretical Background
• Divine Command Theory
• Moral Relativism
• Utilitarianism
• Kantianism

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Partial Outline, cont.

• Morality in Practice
• Morality and Nonhuman Animals
• The Ethics of Abortion
• The Ethics of Euthanasia
• Under Construction
• To be Arranged with Student Input

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Using the Class Web Site
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Using On-Line Resources
830 am
OR
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He chosepoorly
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You have chosenwisely
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What is philosophy?

• Philosophy is the art of telling people things
  they already know in words they dont
  understand.
• Unknown

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What is philosophy (take 2)?

• Philosophy is like looking for a black cat at
  midnight on a moonless night in the bottom of a
  coal mineand the cat isnt there. (The only
  difference from religion is that religion finds
  the cat, even though its not there!)
• Bertrand Russell

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What is philosophy (take 3)?

• Learning philosophy does not involve knowledge
  of new facts, but new knowledge of facts.
• Alfred North Whitehead

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Choosing Wisely

• To learn philosophy well, you must
• Read and listen actively and critically
• Integrate the ideas with your ordinary life and,
• Practice by speaking in discussion section

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Reading Assignment

• Friday, September 22 Arthur, pp. 77-85