Ethical Problems and Public Issues (262-0-20)

Instructors

Chad Horne

Meeting Info

Lutkin Hall: Tues, Thurs 9:30AM - 10:50AM

Overview of class

Liberalism, democracy, capitalism: together, these three represent the default institutional framework for developed societies. Today, however, this framework is increasingly under threat, from both the left and the right. In this course, we will examine the philosophical justifications for these institutions, as well as prominent critiques of them, from across the political spectrum. We will examine these through the lens of prominent philosophical theories of morality such as utilitarianism, contractualism, and virtue ethics.

Learning Objectives

Participation in this course will help you:
1) Recognize moral issues and distinguish them from descriptive ones.
2) Understand major contemporary moral theories and the values they presuppose.
3) Explore the complexity of ethical problems related to public policy and consider alternative resolutions and the reasons supporting them.
4) Analyze historical and contemporary structures of inequality and injustice, with a focus on the United States. 5) Reflect on your own answers to important ethical questions and the reasons supporting them.
6) Engage in respectful, rigorous, and constructive dialogue concerning moral issues and communicate thoughtfully and clearly about them.

Class Materials (Required)

All class materials will be available on Canvas at NO cost to the student.

Class Materials (Suggested)

All class materials will be available on Canvas at NO cost to the student.

Class Notes

Final paper

Class Attributes

Ethical and Evaluative Thinking Foundational Disci
U.S. Perspectives on Power, Justice, and Equity
Ethics & Values Distro Area

Associated Classes

DIS - 555 Clark 230: Fri 10:00AM - 10:50AM

DIS - 555 Clark 230: Fri 11:00AM - 11:50AM

DIS - Kresge Centennial Hall 2-435: Fri 12:00PM - 12:50PM

DIS - Kresge Centennial Hall 2-415: Fri 1:00PM - 1:50PM

DIS - Harris Hall L28: Mon 10:00AM - 10:50AM

DIS - Parkes Hall 212: Mon 11:00AM - 11:50AM

DIS - Kresge Centennial Hall 2-410: Fri 10:00AM - 10:50AM

DIS - Kresge Centennial Hall 2-435: Fri 11:00AM - 11:50AM

DIS - Kresge Centennial Hall 2-425: Fri 12:00PM - 12:50PM

DIS - Kresge Centennial Hall 2-425: Fri 1:00PM - 1:50PM

DIS - Technological Institute M166: Mon 10:00AM - 10:50AM

DIS - Technological Institute M349: Mon 11:00AM - 11:50AM