Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2016 - PHIL 321 D100

Topics in Moral Philosophy (3)

Choice and Authenticity

Class Number: 8245

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 6 – Dec 5, 2016: Thu, 11:30 a.m.–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    One of PHIL 120W (or equivalent), 121, 220, 221 or ENV 320W.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An advanced investigation of central issues and theories in moral philosophy. In any given term, the course may focus on a general theory or concept or concern, for example meta-ethics, utilitarianism, or theories of rights. Sometimes it will focus on a particular problem or problems, such as medical ethics, moral personhood, or free will and moral responsibility. May be repeated for credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

Selected Topics: Choice, Value and Authenticity

Rational choice theory tells us what to do when we are able to rank outcomes as better, worse, or equal. Yet we often make choices over outcomes whose relative values seem to be indeterminate: that is to say, not better, nor worse, nor equal. You may be torn between becoming a philosopher or a gardener, while believing that neither vocation is better than the other. Sophie (in William Styron’s novel) must choose which of her two children will survive, while believing that neither child is more deserving of life than the other. These and other hard choices put pressure on the traditional theory of rational choice.

They also raise interesting questions about the normative force of hard or indeterminate choices. Is anything important lost if a benevolent and omniscient dictator makes your hard choices for you? From the first person perspective, does the fact of your having chosen gardening (say) give you a non-instrumental reason to stick with your vocation over time? One response to questions of this kind (e.g. Kierkegaard’s) appeals to the virtue of “authenticity”: the notion that making choices and sticking with them is good for its own sake. More recently, talk of “self-constitution through commitment” has gained popularity. We investigate a variety of responses.

Since this is a course in moral philosophy we will not be preoccupied with the warrant for public policies and institutions. But there is a connection with issues in political philosophy. For it is often claimed that the fact that many policy choices are hard choices (e.g. distributive justice, abortion rights) justifies liberal or democratic institutions. This course provides a vantage point for coming to grips with these arguments in political philosophy.

The course is organized around one lecture each week for a total of three hours. Students are expected to contribute to class discussion and will be required to read 2-3 papers or book chapters each week. They will also be required to synthesize the readings to complete their final research paper.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

PHIL 321 may be applied towards the Certificate in Ethics: Theory and Application (see our website for more details).

This course is excellent preparation for law school. 

The aim of the course is for students to deepen their understanding of the consequences of plural and indeterminate values.

Grading

  • • Three short assignments (from a total of four, max 1 per week, due prior to class; the first due no later than week 4 and the last due no later than week 12, 600 words max) 15%
  • • One short research paper (1200 words, due at Lect. Week 8) 30%
  • • One longer research paper (2500 words, due at lect. Week 13) 45%
  • • Participation (the metrics for participation comprise attendance and oral contributions in class) 10%

NOTES:

Short and long papers must conform to the model described in “One Way to Write a Philosophy Paper” – available on Canvas.

Please consult the Course Policies document on Canvas (covering issues ranging from special accommodation for student needs to academic dishonesty).

REQUIREMENTS:

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:

Articles and book chapters available from the Library.

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