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

Instructors

Chad Horne

Meeting Info

Lutkin Hall: Tues, Thurs 2:00PM - 3:20PM

Overview of class

Liberalism, democracy, capitalism: together, these three represent the default institutional framework for developed societies. Today, however, this framework is increasingly coming under criticism 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 institutional frameworks through the lens of prominent philosophical theories of morality such as utilitarianism, contractualism, and virtue ethics.

Learning Objectives

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 Attributes

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

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: Pre-registration For philosophy and BIP students only

Associated Classes

DIS - University Library 3322: Fri 9:00AM - 9:50AM

DIS - Kresge Centennial Hall 2-329: Fri 10:00AM - 10:50AM

DIS - University Library 3370: Mon 10:00AM - 10:50AM

DIS - University Library 3322: Mon 11:00AM - 11:50AM

DIS - University Library 5746: Fri 11:00AM - 11:50AM

DIS - University Library 5322: Fri 12:00PM - 12:50PM

DIS - University Library 4722: Thurs 10:00AM - 10:50AM

DIS - University Library 3670: Thurs 11:00AM - 11:50AM