Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2023 - PHIL 321 D100

Topics in Moral Philosophy (3)

Contemporary Normative Ethics

Class Number: 5803

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 6 – Dec 5, 2023: Mon, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Oct 10, 2023: Tue, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Sep 6 – Dec 5, 2023: Wed, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    One of PHIL 120, 120W, 121, 220, 221, 270, SDA 270, ENV 320W, or REM 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:

Topics in Moral Philosophy: Contemporary Normative Ethics

This course is an advanced exploration of normative ethical theories. These theories concern what it is morally right to do, what it is morally appropriate to feel, and what kind of a person one should be. We will discuss in detail each of four major views: consequentialism, Kantianism, virtue ethics, and ethics of care, while paying special attention to how these views are related to partiality and ideals of love and friendship.

The readings will be exclusively articles and book chapters from the last fifty years.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

PHIL 321 may be applied towards the Certificate in Ethics and the Concentration in Law and Philosophy. This course may be repeated for credit if the topic is different, but not in the same term.  

By the end of the course, students should be able to:

  •  Identify and reconstruct philosophical arguments
  •  Write upper-level undergraduate persuasive papers containing a core thesis and argument in support of that thesis
  •  Engage with fundamental philosophical issues in contemporary ethics
This course is excellent preparation for: law school, graduate school in philosophy, public policy degrees, business school, or for anyone wishing to participate in public deliberation with their fellow citizens.

Grading

  • Participation (contribution to in-class discussions) 10%
  • Weekly questions (five assignments @10% each) 50%
  • Short papers (two 1,200-word papers - 20% each) OR one long paper (one 2,400-word paper - 40%) 40%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

All readings will be made available via Canvas.

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Department Undergraduate Notes:

Thinking of a Philosophy Major or Minor? The Concentration in Law and Philosophy? The Certificate in Ethics? The Philosophy and Methodology of Science Certificate?
Contact the PHIL Advisor at philcomm@sfu.ca   More details on our website: SFU Philosophy

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website http://www.sfu.ca/students/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

RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the semester are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.