Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2016 - PHIL 120W D100

Moral Problems (3)

Class Number: 4318

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 6 – Dec 5, 2016: Tue, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 17, 2016
    Sat, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
    Burnaby

    Dec 17, 2016
    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:

This course introduces students to moral philosophy by examining controversies in public policy that continue to divide the citizens of Canada and other liberal democracies.

They include:

  • Abortion
  • Pornography 
  • Privacy 
  • Compensation for Historical Injustice
  • Famine Relief 
  • Immigration and Refugees

The lectures describe the relevant legal background before proceeding to examine proposals for what the law should be. The course-reader helpfully contains two papers on each topic that defend opposing points of view.

The course is organized around one, two-hour lecture and one tutorial each week for a total of three hours. Students are expected to contribute to discussion in tutorial and will be required to read 1-2 papers or book chapters each week.  

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

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


The course aims to give students an understanding of the distinctive methods and theories that philosophy uses for addressing fundamental disagreements about public policy. As an additional bonus, the course is writing-intensive, providing students with the opportunity to improve their essay-writing skills in response to careful feedback.


The course is a good preparation for law school.


The course is an excellent introduction to the methods and issues found in the Law and Philosophy Major and Minor degrees.

Grading

  • Ten single paragraph reflections (1% deducted per missed assignment)
  • One essay and one revision, 500 words 20%
  • One essay and one revision, 700 words 20%
  • One final paper 1500 words, no revision 30%
  • One short final exam (30 questions, 1 hour) 30%

NOTES:

No Nonsense Paper Policy: In the interest of preserving a level playing field students submitting late papers without prior arrangement or a doctor's note will be penalized. Students caught plagiarizing or otherwise cheating will normally be recommended for suspension from the university.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Contemporary Debates in Applied Ethics, Cohen and Wellman (Eds.) (Wiley Blackwell) 2nd Edition. (First edition is OK.)

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