Time Schedule:
Benjamin S. P. Almassi
PHIL 102
Seattle Campus
Philosophical consideration of some of the main moral problems of modern society and civilization, such as abortion, euthanasia, war, and capital punishment. Topics vary.
Class description
Given the compressed nature of the summer term academic period, the course will run as a series of week-long mini-seminars in four areas: medical ethics, research ethics, war and peace, and artistic ethics. In this way, we'll see how the tools of philosophy identifying, constructing, and evaluating arguments can help to illuminate a variety of real-life problems. The course is suitable for non-majors; familiarity with philosophy generally and moral theory specifically is helpful not required. What is required is a willingness to read extensively, think carefully about what you read, provide arguments for your positions and engage fearlessly yet respectfully with others arguments and positions.
Student learning goals
General method of instruction
Recommended preparation
Class assignments and grading
There will be assessments (take-home exams) at the end of each week covering that week's material, and students will have the choice of which three of the four possible assessments to complete. Careful, extensive reading and participation in class discussions will also be major components of the course. This will include one short in-class presentation and several reading responses.
