PHIL 112 A - Ethical Problems

TTh 12:50 - 2:15 PM Bert Beynen, gkbeynen@dmacc.edu.

Room 2-08 Tel.: 515/255-4844 (h), 965-7066 (w)

Summary: In the first part of the course the main ethical theories are discussed: Ethical and Psychological Egoism, Utilitarianism, Divine Command Theory, Kant's moral theory, and Hedonism. In the second part insights from previously discussed ethical theories are applied to contemporary controversies, such as euthanasia, abortion, homosexuality, and capital punishment.

Attendance: Each student may miss ONE class period, for whatever reason. After this has been missed, missing a quizz or an examination results in an F. Exams cover only the material discussed since the previous exam and can be made-up only with a medical excuse note, in Room 6-20 B, like quizzes. Exams have identification, definition, and essay-type questions, and MUST be taken on paper provided by instructor. Class periods MAY end with a QUIZZ!! The final examination consists of identification and definition questions, one question about your book report and of several cases discussed in class.

Grading: Quizzes - 30 %, class participation - 15 %, book report - 20%, (2)exams - 30%, final exam - 20%.

Book Report: Book report topic and summary due 2/22. Report, appr. 3 pages, due 4/5.

Textbook: Jacques P. Thiroux, Ethics: Theory and Practice, eighth edition; Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall, 2004.

Disabilities Coordinator: 964-6850 (voice) & 964-6810 (TTY).

Assignments: 1/11: pp. 1-13; 1/13: pp. 13-26; 1/18 pp. 35-49;

1/20: pp. 55-64; 1/25 pp. 64-76; 1/27; pp. 83-97; 2/1: FIRST EXAM;

2/3: pp. 102-115; 2/8: pp. 121-143; 2/10: pp. 153-175;

2/15: pp. 179-197 & Appendix I; 2/17: pp. 200-207 & Appendix I;

2/22: pp. 210-232 & Appendix II – TOPIC & SUMMARY DUE;

2/24: pp. 233-246 & Appendix II; 3/1: pp. 254-263 & Appendix III;

3/8: pp. 264-273 & Appendix III; 3/10: SECOND EXAM;

3/15: pp. 279-293 & Appendix IV; 3/17: pp. 293-304 & Appendix IV;

3/29: pp. 311-324 & Appendix V; 3/31: pp. 324-333 & Appendix V;

4/5: pp. 342-350 & Appendix VI - REPORT DUE;

4/7: pp. 351-355 & Appendix VI; 4/12: pp. 355-363 & Appendix VI;

4/14: pp. 374-380 & Appendix VII; 4/15: pp. 380-389 & App. VII;

4/19: pp. 389-398 & Appendix VII; 4/21: PP. 408-414 & App. VIII;

4/26: pp. 414-419 & Appendix VIII; 4/28: pp. 420-427 & App. VIII.

5/3: FINAL - 11:30 AM-1:45 PM