The Lebanese International University PHIL205 Introduction to Ethics Instructor: Abir A.

Chaaban Course Description This course provides a survey of the major theoretical approaches in moral philosophy, or ethics. The course discusses religion and morality, ethical subjectivism, cultural relativism, utilitarianism, rights and duties, Kant respect for persons, the social contract, and ethics of virtue. This is an introductory course for students who have no background in philosophy. The course aims to develop students skills in arguing and defending their view about a specific moral issue. Course Schedule: MW 11:00-12:15 Section: A Room: 114-D Campus: Nabatiyeh Office Hours: W: 12:30-1:45 Room 108D Required Text: James Racheles, The Elements of Moral Philosophy, 6th ed. (McGraw-Hill, 2010). The instructor will distribute handouts from the optional text; these handouts will be sent to students via e-mail. Optional Text: Robert C. Solomon, Morality and the Good Life: An Introduction to Ethics Through Classical Sources, 4th Edition (2003). Grading: Attendance Participation Paper I Presentation of first paper Midterm Paper II Presentation of second paper Final Exam Grading scheme: Participation: At the end of each class, I will provide the class with a controversial moral issue, related to the class lecture. Students are expected to prepare at least three 5% 15% 15% 5% 15% 20% 5% 20%

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points that will start a class discussion on the issue, we will dedicate the first 20 minutes of each class to discuss the application of the theory to the moral problem. Paper I and II: The two papers will test your ability to articulate, and to present arguments for your own views. Further information about these assignments will be provided as needed, as well as upon request. Mid Term and Final Exam: The mid-term test and the final exam will test your knowledge on major terms and definitions of what you have read. Course Schedule: October 18 The major approaches of ethical reasoning: Meta-ethics, Normative Ethics and Applied Ethics. Read Instructor handout Part I. Meta-Ethics October 20 October 25 October 27 Religion and Morality- Instructor handout Chapter 4, Does Morality Depend on Religion? Rachels pp. 52-67 Chapter 2, The Challenge of Cultural Relativism. Rachels, pp 16-34

November 1 Cultural Relativism Contd November 3 How to write a Philosophy Paper November 8 / Chapter 3, Subjectivism in Ethics. Rachels, pp 35-51 Part II. Normative Ethics November 9 Ethical Subjectivism November 15 Eid Al Adha November 17 Eid Al Adha November 22 Independence Day November 24 Paper Presentations November 29 Presentations Continued Created by Abir Chaaban 11/4/2011 2:05 a11/p11 2

December 1 First Paper Due Chapter 9, Kant and Respect for Persons. Rachels, 130-140, Chapter 8, Are there Absolute Moral Rules. Rachels, 117-129 December 6 December 8 December 13 December 20 December 22 January 3 January 5 January 10 January 12 January 17 172 January 19 Mid Term Kant Continued, Chapter 6, Rachels The Debate over Utilitarianism pp 100-116 Chapter 7, The Utilitarian Approach. Rachels, pp 89-100 Chapter 10, The Idea of the Social Contract. Rachels, 141-159 Chapter 12, The Ethics of Virtue. Rachels 173-190 Paper II is due Presentations of first paper Presentations continued Chapters 11, Feminism and the Ethics of Care. Rachels, 160Chapter 13, What would a Satisfactory Moral Theory be Like? Rachels, pp191-203 Chapter 1, What is Morality. Rachels pp 1-15

Applied Ethics: January 24 January 26 Handout Rights and Duties- Human Rights, Instructor handout Rights and Duties-International Human Rights, Instructor

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