However, each of us has the ability to shape our own values and beliefs. It is, therefore, important that we have both a knowledge of different moral beliefs and the capacity to critically evaluate those beliefs. For this reason we will study some of the most important and influential ethical thought of the western philosophical tradition. We will accomplish this by reading and discussing selected works of ethical philosophy. We will also consider important issues in applied ethics including sexuality, pornography, abortion, world hunger, and the treatment of animals.
Most students find that reading philosophy takes much more time than reading other subjects.
I suggest a quick first reading that allows you to obtain a general feeling for the work, followed by a slow and careful second reading. The reading load has been calculated with this in mind. It will be assumed both in lecture and in discussion that you have read the assigned material. A second essential requirement is participation in small group discussions. Thoughtful discussion is a central part of philosophy so each week we will divide into groups of four or five in order to work through discussion projects.