Philosophy 1600 ‑ ETHICS
Tuesday/Thursday - Sec. 001- Ref. No. 37751
[
Dr. Richard T. Nolan
3.00 Sem. hrs. credit
Room SS216
A
rigorous and systematic inquiry into man’s moral behavior discovering rules
that ought to govern human action and goals worth seeking in human life using
ethics as a science of conduct. Requires a grade of
“C” or better for AA transfer credit. No prerequisites.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
1. to begin to think
systematically and analytically about selected moral issues;
2. to understand
contrasting solutions to moral problems;
2. to equip each student
with sufficient clarity that (s)he may eventually form thoughtful
interpretations for personal and/or professional use
RESOURCES:
1. Nolan and Kirkpatrick, Living Issues In Ethics (2000
edition)
[copy on reserve in the
library for use within the library]
2. handouts in this syllabus packet and possibly
additional materials distributed in class
3. information and interpretations from the
instructor and students
4. www.philosophy-religion.org [computers and
computer assistance are provided in College facilities]
5. video tapes shown during classes (not available
at other times)
METHODS OF CLASSROOM
INSTRUCTION:
Among the teaching methods
will be lectures and discussions.
COMMUNICATIONS:
Dr. Nolan may be telephoned
(24 hrs. a day seven days a week) at (
It is highly recommended
that each student obtain the telephone number(s) of one or two classmates, in
case of a planned or unexpected absence.
Such a contact will answer the absentee's question "Did I miss anything
important?"
His secretary will not
notify him about messages asking him to repeat syllabus information or to
report what took place in a class.
INDIVIDUAL CONFERENCES:
Dr. Nolan is available (by
appointment) for individual conferences after his classes and at other
mutually convenient times. Such
conferences are for the purpose of clarifying an issue in the reading or a
class, not for on-going tutoring.
GORDON RULE:
This is NOT a Gordon Rule
course and will not transfer as such.
ASSIGNMENTS:
Assignments and class
topics appear below. It is possible that
changes will be announced as the course progresses and/or that additional
handouts will be distributed; it is each student's responsibility to be aware of
modifications by checking with colleagues, NOT the instructor.
TESTS/FINAL EXAM, EXAM
GUIDES, JOURNAL, AND GRADES:
TESTS/FINAL
EXAM: Two tests and a comprehensive final
examination will be in a challenging, College Board quality, multiple-choice
style designed to examine each student's understanding of information from
classes and assigned readings. Classes,
readings, any written work, and the tests/final exam require college level
comprehension of standard, American English; dictionaries may not be used
during the tests or the final exam.
Students must take their own #2 pencils to the tests and exam; the
instructor will have none with him.
Unless documented medical or employee reasons require it, tests and the
final exam will not be given earlier or later than scheduled. With a written excuse from a physician
or employers, tests may be made up by appointment with Dr. Nolan in class
sessions during the last week of the semester.
Make-up of the final exam (with the same documentation) will be
scheduled at the convenience of the instructor and student. Unexcused
absences from tests are automatically
graded an “F.”
Caution: An inquiring mind and an
ability to discuss issues philosophically do not automatically lead to solid
achievement in this course. One must
study the assigned material and perform satisfactorily on the tests and final
exam. See sample test items on page 6.
EXAM
GUIDES:
Guides are found on pages 52, 53, and 54 of this packet. Students missing other guides announced in
class must consult with other students, not the instructor.
COURSE
GRADES: The
“grade chart” on page 6A indicates the method of determining the course grade.
Grades are never available by telephone; such
requests are always ignored!
Factors outside the course
have no bearing on grades or other course patterns. For example, that an individual is an
"A" student in other courses is irrelevant; that an individual has
demanding personal, campus or professional obligations is beside the point;
that an individual needs a
particular grade for tuition reimbursement or to avoid a low cumulative average
is immaterial and inappropriate to mention; that an individual needs to leave
classes early is extraneous.
Registration and class attendance alone do not automatically entitle a
student to any particular course grade; registration and attendance merely
provide the opportunity to earn the grade judged appropriate by the instructor.
ACADEMIC FREEDOM:
An essential ingredient in
college-level education is academic freedom for faculty members and students;
this includes the obligation of the instructor and students to raise
academically critical and analytical questions about various philosophic and
religious traditions.
Additionally, there is no
such thing as a "stupid" question or comment, when offered in honest
inquiry and in a professional manner.
INSTRUCTOR'S
RESPONSIBILITY:
The instructor accepts the
responsibility for all decisions related to the syllabus, coordination of the
course and of supervising class sessions.
Although suggestions are always welcome, course content, requirements,
procedures, and grades are not routinely negotiable. Flexibility on content will be evident, if a
topic requires additional or less time.
The instructor may modify the content of this syllabus at any time.
Visiting lecturers are
invited only at the instructor’s discretion; normally they must possess
traditional academic credentials.
STUDENT RESPONSIBILITY:
It is each student’s
responsibility to abide by all of the College’s regulations, procedures, etc.
as provided in the current catalog and Student
Handbook. This syllabus does not
contain all such information.
The instructor cannot
possibly provide all the varied topics and methods of teaching/learning
preferred by all students in the course.
That each student's readiness for learning can be accommodated is
wishful thinking; the course cannot be tailored specifically to each student's
personal or academic needs (except for students with a learning disability
certified in writing by the College’s
In the classroom civility
is the norm; rudeness (including repeated interruptions) and belligerence will
not be tolerated; combative or authoritarian personalities will not be permitted
to act out in this setting. If a student persists in behaving unacceptably,
according to the instructor’s judgment, a report will be made to the College
administration and/or Security, or in extreme circumstances the
Please consult the Student Handbook (available from the
Student Services office) for regulations and policies pertaining to student
conduct.
Students
who decide that they cannot comply with the procedures noted in this syllabus
should withdraw at their earliest convenience.
ATTENDANCE:
If absent, students must
obtain class materials (unexpected handouts, notes, etc.) from obliging
classmates. The instructor will not
develop alternative tracks within the course, except for students certified
by the College as learning disabled. Classes may be audio recorded by students
for their own or for absentees' use.
Students arriving late for
the term and/or for any classes are responsible for whatever has taken place
prior to their arrival; fellow students, not the instructor, should be
consulted about the missed portion of classes.
Students with prolonged
illnesses and absences (longer than two consecutive weeks) are encouraged to
withdraw from the course, because tutoring is not available.
Weather Issues: If the region is stormy
or if there are severe storm warnings, please follow the College’s procedures
for determining whether classes will be held, or telephone the instructor’s VoiceMail two hours before class. If he cannot safely drive to PBCC to conduct
class, the outgoing message will make that specific announcement.
ACADEMIC INFORMATION:
Please consult the current
College catalog and other official publications for further information,
including the calendar, grading system, academic dishonesty policy, attendance,
etc. The instructor intends to abide by
these policies. If a College policy
conflicts with anything in this syllabus, it should be brought to the
instructor’s attention, and the College’s policy will prevail.
The last day to drop
courses with a full refund is Jan. 11th. Please consult the College Calendar online or
in the Catalog for other important dates.
The Social Science
Department Chair is Dr. Richard E. Yinger (439-8259)
[SS207]. His email is: yingerr@pbcc.cc.fl.us
and his office is in SS207.
CELLULAR PHONES/PAGERS:
Please leave the classroom
to respond to the signals of cellular phones or pagers.
A PROFESSIONAL
INTRODUCTION:
The instructor is a
graduate of
Editor of The Diaconate Now
(1968), the instructor is a co-author of the 7th (1979), Indonesian (1984), 8th
(1986) and 9th (1995) editions of Living
Issues In Philosophy and of Living
Issues in Ethics (1982; 2000; Chinese edition 1988).
In July of 1992 Dr. Nolan early-retired from
23 years of full-time service in the community college system of the State of
Connecticut and 8 years of prior teaching in independent elementary-junior
high, secondary, and collegiate institutions.
He has served as an adjunct/visiting professor on about 18 college and
university faculties in
The instructor's mailing
address is PBCC,
PLEASE NOTE THAT DR. NOLAN
WILL NOT BE TEACHING ANYWHERE AFTER MAY, 2002. STUDENTS NOT COMPLETING THEIR
WORK ON TIM MAY FIND THEMSELVES UNABLE TO ARRANGE MAKE-UP WORK FOR THE COURSE.
CLASS
TOPICS AND ASSIGNMENTS:
Abbreviations Used:
C ‑ class topic(s)
A ‑ assigned reading
T ‑ the textbook (Living Issues In Ethics)
V - video
(h) - handout in this
packet
www
- available on website www.philosophy-religion.org
NOTE: Materials not listed below as assignments
might be added as the term progresses.
T 1/8 & Th 1/10
C. Orientation to the Course
Philosophy on the Internet
The Scope of Philosophy
A. T -
sample journal entry (h) p.
7
Bok, “Universities Have An Obligation
to Help Students Learn How to Lead Ethical, Fulfilling Lives” (h) p. 8
wwwDornin, “Internet Watchdog Could
Stop Collegiate Copycats” (h) p. 9
Haugaard, “Students Who Won’t Decry
Evil B A Case of Too Much
Tolerance?” (h) p. 10
“An Overview of Philosophy”
(h) pp. 14ff. www
T 1/15, Th 1/17, & T
1/22
C. The Scope of Philosophy (continued)
A. T -
T -
T -
“The Affirmation of
Humanism: A Statement of Principles and Values” (h) p. 18 www
Tavris, “No-fault Psychology” (h)
p. 19
Verhey, “Ethics” from The
Th 1/24 & T 1/29
C. Who Am I?
A. T -
Angier, “Nothing Becomes a Man
More Than a Woman’s Face” (h) p. 26
Th 1/31 & T 2/5
C. Review for Test 1
Test 1 (TUESDAY)
A. T - Review
Th 2/7
A.
Test 1 Grades Distributed;
only time for test review with test items and answers; no notes may be
made.
A. ---------------
T 2/12 C. Love
and Friendship
A. T -
Coyle, “Easy Targets” (h) p. 30 www
Ramirez, “Professor’ Ashley Montagu,
94, Popularizer of Science” (h) p. 32
Th 2/14 & T 2/19
C. Marriage and the
Family
Mental and Physical Health
A. T -
Fletcher, “For Better or Worse, Marriage Hits a New Low” (h) p.
34
Wright, “Family” from The
T -
Th 2/21 & T 2/26
C. Medical Ethics
Sexual Ethics (personal histories not suitable for classroom
discussion)
A. T -
T -
Outline of lecture on human sexuality (h) p. 38 www
McAfee, “Sex” from The
Th 2/28
C. Sexual Ethics
(Conclusion)
A. Gomes,
“Homophobic? Re-Read Your Bible” (h) p. 43
www
“Homosexuality and the Bible” by biblical scholar Dr. Walter
Wink: see www “All Handouts.”
“Answers to Your Questions About Sexual Orientation and
Homosexuality” [American Psychological Association] (h) p. 44 www
Spring
Recess March 4 - 8
T 3/12 C. Review
for Test 2
A. Review
Th 3/14
C. Test 2
A. Review
T 3/19
C. Test 2 Grades
distributed; only opportunity to review test 2
A. T - Review
Th 3/21 & T 3/26
C. An Introduction
to Social Ethics; The Political Order
The Economic Order: Global
Capitalism and the Moral Imperative - V (29 min.)
A. T -
T -
“Some Philosophical/Moral Issues Related to the Political and
Economic Areas of Social Life” (h) p. 47
“Some Basic Issues in Business Ethics” (h) p. 48
Th 3/28, T 4/2 & Th 4/4
C. Freedom of Thought and Expression: Cyberspace - Freedom or Regulation - V (29 min.)
and Media Ethics -V (28 min.)
Dissent
A. T -
T -
T 4/9
C. Social Justice: Black American Conservatism - V
(segment, 30 min.)
A. T -
“From RESENTMENT AGAINST ACHIEVEMENT.......” (h) p. 49 www
“Hiring/Promotions Goals and Timetables” (h) p. 51
Th 4/11
C. Ecology: God’s
Earth: A Call For Environmental Stewardship - V (segment, 30 min.)
A. T -
T 4/16
C.
War and the Quest for Peace: Justifying War - V (segment, 30 min.)
[example of the dialectic]
A.
T -
Th 4/18
C. Concluding
Reflections
A. T - Epilogue
T 4/23
A.
Review for Final Exam
A. Review
Th 4/25 C. Make-Up tests
A. Review
T 4/30 C. TBA
The FINAL
EXAM is scheduled for Thursday, May 2nd from
SAMPLE
TEST ITEMS (not necessarily from this course)
Understanding
the meaning of a philosophic term:
1. Logic is:
a. the method by
which absolute truth about an issue is determined.
b. an area within
axiology.
c. a
branch of philosophy that deals with the nature and problems of clear and
accurate thinking and argument.
d. all of the above
Understanding
the implications of a previously unseen paragraph for its philosophic content:
2. "People, whether primitive or
highly civilized, have conceptions of themselves and the universe in which they
live and work or idle. Their world-views may be dimly formed, barely
recognized, even somewhat surreptitiously held. But a world-view is in the mind
of every man and woman. Individuals may
deny that they have a world‑view.
They may say that they have no interest in the world. They may insist that they are independent,
free‑swinging, hedonist or ascetic, choosing their own ways of life of
their own will; but the denial is itself a world-view‑‑ something
on the basis of which independence is asserted, whether they are aware of it or
not."
Consistent with this statement is/are:
a. Human beings
cannot entirely escape philosophy.
b. The average
citizen has a philosophy.
c. To condemn
philosophy is to philosophize.
d. all of the above
e. none of the
above
Understanding
a school of thought via a paragraph or sentence:
3. "_______,
then, as presented in what precedes is a perfectly tenable conception of the
relation between some mental events and some brain events, lowing as it does
also that some brain events have bodily causes, and that some mental events
directly cause some other mental events.
It conceives minds as consisting, like material substances, of sets of
systematically interrelated dispositions, i.e., of capacities, abilities,
powers, and susceptibilities, each of which can be analyzed as a causal
connection, more or less enduring, between any event of some particular
kind..."
a. Interactionism
b. Parallelism
c. Behaviorism
d. Freudian
psychology
e. none of the
above