Dr. Ted Toadvine
341-5566 (office); 341-5462 (Social Sciences Secretary)
Office Hours: 3:00 - 4:00 MWF and 3:30 - 4:30 Thursdays (or by appointment)
Office: Plumb Hall 411P
toadvint@emporia.edu

COURSE DESCRIPTION
Toward what kind of life should human beings strive? Should we work toward our own happiness, or for the "greater good?" Do absolute principles of right and wrong exist, or are our morals relative to our culture? Do women and men decide what is right or wrong differently? Is there a way to live that is just "naturally" right? The branch of philosophy known as ethics deals with these and similar questions while striving to understand the difference between right and wrong actions, good and bad people. After a brief overview of concepts and topics in ethics, we will examine classic writings of the western ethical tradition by Plato, Aristotle, Epicurus, Epictetus, Hume, Kant, Mill, and Nietzsche. During the last half of the semester, we will focus on two 20^th century theories: cultural relativism, as represented by Ruth Benedict's ground-breaking anthropological work, Patterns of Culture, and the "Ethics of Care," introduced by Carol Gilligan in the modern classic, In a Different Voice.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS
1. Attendance at the lectures is absolutely crucial for understanding of the readings and participation in class discussion. Therefore, attendance at every class is expected as a minimal requirement for this course. Missing FOUR classes FOR ANY REASON will result in a full grade reduction. In the event that ALL FOUR absences are the result of an extreme medical condition, documented by a statement from your physician or Health Services, notify me as soon as possible to discuss extra assignments to make up for your missed time. Missing SIX or more classes will result in an "F" for the course. There is no need to document illness for fewer than four absences, except in the case of having missed an exam due to an emergency.

2. You are expected to be in command of the assigned readings PRIOR to the class period in which we will discuss them. Otherwise, any attempt to discuss the material will be a waste of time. Some of the readings will be quite dense and require effort on your part to understand them. Give yourself time to read difficult passages more than once.

3. There will be a 20 minute test every Thursday, beginning on 8/31 (except on the last day of class, 12/7). Each test will consist of two parts:

(a) three questions that will test your command of the course content and are to be answered with brief statements of about 30 words total for each question; and

(b) an essay question to be answered in around 150 words that identifies the context of a passage taken from the readings and reflects your agreement or disagreement with the passage.

4. On the date of the final exam, there will be a final test of (a) twelve course content questions, including nine drawn from previous tests and three covering the material from the previous week, and (b) an essay question on selected readings to be answered in around 300 words. The final exam will be worth three ordinary tests.

5. You can miss one test (except the final). If you take all of the tests, the lowest grade (or a third of the final, if that is your lowest grade) will be dropped. You can make up a test missed for medical reasons if you provide a statement from your physician or Health Services.

6. Discussion is crucial to this class, and I am counting on you to provide it. I will do my best to make everyone feel at ease and welcome to contribute to the discussions. Talking with each other about these sometimes difficult and/or controversial topics is a sure-fire way to understand them better (and it also makes for a livelier class period). So my hope is that you will put in your two cents whenever you are struck by a question, idea, problem, or objection. NO RELEVANT REMARK IS OUT OF BOUNDS IN THIS CLASS. As an added incentive for your participation, I will take into account your regular contributions to the ongoing discussion in borderline grade cases. For example, regular thoughtful participation in discussion (not just quantity, of course, but also quality) may raise a high "B" grade (an 89, for example) up to an "A."

PLEASE NOTE
1. Academic dishonesty of any kind will not be tolerated. This includes plagiarism, the paraphrase or quotation of any published or unpublished source--including the textbooks--without full and clear acknowledgment. The university policy regarding academic dishonesty, as explained in the Student Handbook, will be strictly enforced.

2. If you have a documented disability, please let me know as soon as possible so that appropriate accommodations can be made.

3. As listed above, my office hours are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 3:00 to 4:00, and Thursday, 3:30 to 4:30. I will be spending these hours in my office for the sole purpose of being available for your questions. If these times are not convenient for you, and there is something you need to discuss with me, please ask to make an appointment. Messages can be left with the Social Sciences secretary (PH 411) at 341-5462. You are also welcome to address inquiries to me via Email at toadvint@emporia.edu.

PROVISIONAL COURSE SCHEDULE (changes and specific assignments will be announced in class)
 

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Last Updated: 20 August, 2000