Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2025 - PHIL 322 D100

History of Ethics (3)

Class Number: 6941

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    One of PHIL 120, 120W, 121, 150, 151, 220, 221, 270, SDA 270, ENV 320W, or REM 320W.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An examination of an issue or selection of issues in the history of moral or political philosophy. Historical readings will be the primary focus and may include important figures such as Aristotle, Hobbes, Locke, Hume, and Kant.

COURSE DETAILS:

Most histories of ethics can be described as whiggish: they present a narrative of progress in ethical thinking that culminates in modern ethical concepts and inquiries. While this kind of story might be psychologically satisfying, it does not always accurately represent the diverse interests and ambitions of past thinkers. Rather than follow a strict chronological order in investigating particular ethical concepts and arguments, we will observe a thematic order that unites sources across various temporal and geographical locations. To this end, we will begin with various kinds of scepticism about ethical truths before examining some positive proposals for how to think about both the origin and content of such truths. Our focus will be on evaluating whether and to what degree such thinkers succeed in responding to the sceptic, that is, if the sceptic must be answered at all. In addition to readings in the history of ethics from western philosophy, we will also read works from Daoist, Buddhist, and Confucian traditions, among other non-western sources.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

PHIL 322 is one of the electives for the Philosophy Major (where it can count towards either the Ethics or the History requirement),  or for the Philosophy Major or Minor with a Concentration in Law and Philosophy. It may also be applied towards the Certificate in Ethics: Theory and Application,  and the Joint Major in Business, Philosophy and the Law .


 

Grading

  • Attendance and Active Participation 15%
  • 2 In-class writing exercises (15% x 2) 30%
  • 2 In-class short answer evaluations (15% x 2) 30%
  • Final Assignment (completed in stages): thesis development (in-class) 5%; argument development (in-class) 5%; passages as evidence 5%; objections 5%; personal reflection 5% 25%

NOTES:

Written work for this course will be submitted via Turnitin, a third party service licensed for use by SFU. Turnitin is used for originality checking to help detect plagiarism. Students will be required to create an account with Turnitin, and to submit their work via that account, on the terms stipulated in the agreement between the student and Turnitin. This agreement includes the retention of your submitted work as part of the Turnitin database. Any student with a concern about using the Turnitin service may opt to use an anonymous identity in their interactions with Turnitin. Students who do not intend to use Turnitin in the standard manner must notify the instructor at least two weeks in advance of any submission deadline. In particular, it is the responsibility of any student using the anonymous option (i.e. false name and temporary e-mail address created for the purpose) to inform the instructor such that the instructor can match up the anonymous identity with the student.

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Copies of all the readings will be made available online to students through the course management software.

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 term 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.