Contemporary Ethical Theory
Spring 1996

Brief Description:

This course will consist of a careful look at theories of ethics advanced by philosophers in the twentieth century. After an initial discussion of a popular normative ethical theory, utilitarianism, we will work from the beginnings of twentieth century ethical thought with the open question argument of G.E. Moore, through the emotive theory of ethics, to the views of more current writers in philosophical ethics, such as R. M. Hare and Philippa Foot. From there we will look at disputes between moral skeptics and those who believe there are moral facts that bear similarity to scientific facts. We will then consider several different attempts at uncovering the foundations for moral obligations. We will end with a look at virtue ethics and the scope of moral responsibility. This course is open to all students interested in the foundation of right and wrong, although some philosophical sophistication will be expected.

Text:

Louis P. Pojman, editor, Ethical Theory: Classical and Contemporary Readings, second edition (Wadsworth, 1995)

Other information:

• Requirements and Important Dates
• Reading Schedule
• Policies