Department of Philosophy

Professor Chung-ying Cheng  //  Spring Semester 2009
Philosophy 101  MORALS and SOCIETY
Course Syllabus

Wks   Tus   Thurs                           Topics/ Themes/ Issues/ Problems

1        Jan 13 /15      Individuals, community, society: morality, ethics and law
                 Fundamental issues: morality as internal identity of humanity       

2       Jan 20 / 22        Moral consciousness: universalism, relativism, pluralism
                 Issues of cultural traditions and expertise professions:  East and West, globalization of ethics?

3       Jan 27 /29   Human self and human relationships: What are virtues?
                 Issues of discrimination, racism, gender, and crime of genocide [group discussion]

4       Feb 03 /05   Virtue theory and virtue ethics: good and happiness
                 Issues of distinction between the Greek and the Chinese, moral incontinence   

5       Feb 10 /12    Ontological foundations of virtue ethics: God and Dao
                 Issues on insemination, abortion, euthanasia, and suicide 1st short paper due
 
6       Feb 17 / 19 Kant: from teleology to deontology or duty ethics and/or roles ethics
                  Issues of homosexuality, same –sex marriage, affirmative action [group discussion]

7       Feb 24/ 26     Conscience, sentiment and reason as components of human dignity
                  Issues of cloning, organ transplant and genetic engineering

8       Mar 03 / 05      Why did Utilitarianism arise? Quality and quantity of utility or happiness
                  Issues of choice, education and forms of life.  How about minorities?  

9       Mar 10 / 12     Distinction between material good and righteousness
                  Issues of capital punishment and violence [group discussion]

10    Mar 17 / 19     Ideology and Will to Power in Marx and Nietzsche
                  Issues of political freedom versus economic equality  2nd   short paper due

[11    Mar 23-27 (M-F)     Spring Recess]
 
12    Mar 31 / Apr 2       Pragmatism: Science and religious faith
                  Issues of technology and weapon race, how is word peace possible?                   

13    Apr 7 / 9      Rights theory and rights ethics introduced:
                  Issues of government power, privacy, public rights and public duties [group discussion]

14    Apr 14 / 16    Rights theory formulated by Locke and Rawls
                  Issues of economic development and capitalism, environmental problems

15    Apr 21 / 23     From Rights Theory to Comprehensive Justice Theory
                  Issues of integration and differentiation, application and practice

16    April 28 / 30   Remaining topics and critical issues in current times [group discussion]

17     May 5   Last day instruction: Review and Assessment  Final  paper due

Grading System: 25% Reading /Participation/ 25% 2 Short Papers (3 pages for each)/  25% Final Paper (12 pages)/  25% Take-Home (?) Final Exam