Time Schedule:
Michael I. Blake
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
How should we think about questions of right and wrong? Is there anything true about morality at all? How should we think about issues like abortion, pornography, and hate speech? This course is designed to introduce students to the philosophical methods and ideas used to answer these questions.
Student learning goals
(1) What the main methods of philosophical argument are.
(2) What the main forms of ethical theory look like.
(3) How to apply these theories to disputed issues in contemporary life.
General method of instruction
I will be lecturing for part of each session, with the remainer devoted to classroom discussion; mandatory sections with TAs will continue the discussion in a smaller format.
Recommended preparation
None.
Class assignments and grading
Three small papers: one redescribing the argument of someone else, using only your own words; two papers making your own arguments against the arguments you have read in class.
One final examination, requiring you both to identify certain factual ideas and applying them in a brief essay.
A sheet will be provided on which the criteria for grading are described; they include both the quality of your arguments and the clarity with which you present them.
