Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2024 - PHIL 221 D100

Ethical Theory (3)

Class Number: 7293

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 8 – Apr 12, 2024: Mon, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Jan 8 – Apr 12, 2024: Wed, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    One of PHIL 100, 100W, 120, 120W, 121, 144, 150, 151, or 300.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An examination of the major ethical theories, including deontology, consequentialism and virtue ethics. Applications of these theories and related topics in value theory may also be discussed.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course is a survey-based introduction to major views in normative ethics (about what is right and what kind of person you should be) and metaethics (about the “objectivity” of morality). Readings will be drawn from historical and contemporary sources. We will discuss religion and the metaethical views of nihilism, relativism, and objectivism. We will cover the normative ethical views of consequentialism, Kantianism, virtue ethics, ethics of care, and Confucianism.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

PHIL 221 is a required course for the Philosophy Major. It may also be applied towards the Certificate in Ethics.

You will gain the ability to understand and engage with philosophical texts, apply highly theoretical ideas to real and fictional situations, and (hopefully) achieve a broader understanding of the surrounding world and your place in it. You will learn different views about the nature of morality, learn views about what we should do and how we should be, and be informed about ways that these views and other considerations feed into a wide variety of ethical debates.

Grading

  • Problem sets 40%
  • In class exam 1 (Feb. 26) 30%
  • In class exam 2 (Apr. 8) 30%

NOTES:

Extra credit participation: 5%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Russ Shafer-Landau, The Fundamentals of Ethics, 6th Edition. ISBN: 9780197697474. NOTE: 4th, 5th, or 6th editions are all fine!

https://global.oup.com/academic/product/the-fundamentals-of-ethics-9780197697474

All other 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