Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2015 - PHIL 120W D100

Moral Problems (3)

Class Number: 7552

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2015: Tue, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2015: Thu, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 12, 2015
    Sat, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

A critical examination of a range of questions and problems we confront as moral agents, such as: the nature and scope of our moral responsibilities, the source of our moral and civil rights, and the role of moral emotions, like resentment, love and forgiveness. Students with credit for PHIL 120 may not take this course for further credit. Writing/Breadth-Humanities.

COURSE DETAILS:

Sex, Death, and the Meaning of Life: An Introduction to Contemporary Moral Problems

This course is intended to introduce students to contemporary – and controversial – moral problems. No prior experience in philosophy is necessary, only a desire to discuss and to think about the following issues:  

  • Is it wrong to eat animals?
  • What, if anything, do we owe to the environment? 
  • Is pornography harmful to women? To men? To both? Or is pornography harmless? 
  • Is abortion morally permissible? 
  • What is required in order to live a meaningful life? Or is life absurd? 

These issues are difficult and complex, but our primary aim in this class is to reflect upon and approach them with intellectual honesty, rather than come to a consensus about how to solve them. To help us with this aim, we will learn about key ethical theories and concepts and understand how to pick out a good argument from a bad one. Lastly, we will focus upon developing and improving the skills necessary for success in university and beyond, namely the ability to think critically, to read with a careful eye, to listen to others, and to write clearly.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

PHIL 120W may be applied towards the Certificate in Liberal Arts, the Writing Requirement, and the Breadth-Humanities Requirement.

Grading

  • Two papers, worth 20% and 25% respectively 45%
  • Midterm exam 15%
  • Final Exam 30%
  • Short writing assignments 10%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

A course pack of required readings will be available for purchase at the SFU Bookstore.

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://students.sfu.ca/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS