Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2020 - PHIL 321 D100

Topics in Moral Philosophy (3)

Metaethics

Class Number: 4550

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 11 – Aug 10, 2020: Tue, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

    May 11 – Aug 10, 2020: Thu, 9:30–11:20 a.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: Metaethics 

Students that took PHIL 321 in Spring 2020 can not take this course for additional credit (it will be considered a repeat). 

 This course offers an introduction to metaethics by looking at some of the ‘greatest hits’ of the last 100 years (given or take a couple of decades). Metaethics is the study of moral thought and discourse. More specially, metaethics questions the metaphysical, epistemological, semantic, and psychological commitments of our moral practices. Rather than focusing on first-order normative questions (e.g. which acts are right? Which acts are wrong? What is the good life for human beings?), metaethics takes a step back and asks higher-order questions, such as: “What does it mean to say that an action is morally wrong? Do moral properties exist, and if so, what are they like? Is morality genuinely prescriptively authoritative?” Other questions we shall consider include: “What is the relation between moral judgements and motivation? Do we have any reason to be moral?”

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. 

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

  •  Identify and reconstruct philosophical arguments
  •  Write upper-level undergraduate philosophy papers
  •  Conduct independent research
  •  Engage with fundamental philosophical issues in contemporary metaethics

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

  • Two short argument analyses (the first to be completed by week 6). Each is 10%. Students will be expected to lead breakout sessions on the topics of their analyses. 20%
  • Short paper based on first argument analysis (1200 words) 25%
  • Final term paper (2000 words) 35%
  • Participation: online attendance (5%); contribution to discussions (5%); leading breakout sessions (10%) 20%

REQUIREMENTS:

Online presence is required during scheduled time.

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Remote learning for this semester requires a computer or tablet, camera, microphone, and internet access. Headsets are advisable but not necessary. Students have access to free Office 365 or Adobe Creative Cloud found here https://www.sfu.ca/itservices/remote-study-work-resources.html. If students do not have reliable access, they should inform their instructor and contact the IT desk to see if a loaner computer can be arranged. There is one computer lab on campus for limited access. Classes will be conducted on Zoom. It is recommended that students use broadband wired or wireless (3G or 4G/LTE) internet connection, with bandwidth of at least 1.5Mbps (upload and download).

REQUIRED READING:

All readings will be made freely available online.

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 philmgr@sfu.ca   More details on our website: SFU Philosophy

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site 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

TEACHING AT SFU IN SUMMER 2020

Please note that all teaching at SFU in summer term 2020 will be conducted through remote methods. Enrollment in this course acknowledges that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as soon as possible to ensure that they are eligible and that approved accommodations and services are implemented in a timely fashion.