Selected Problems in Ethics (Phil. 310)

Dr. Lee

Fall, 2007

Office hrs: MW 2:30-3:30; TR 2:15—3:15, Rm. 154

E-mail:  plee@franciscan.edu

Phone:  284-5339

Website:  www2.franciscan.edu/plee

 

OBJECTIVES: To understand the basic questions, opposing theories and arguments in selected problems in ethics.  Those selected this semester will be mainly on sex and marriage.  

 

Date                      Topic  

   Aug                                         

28

Intro:  Human Nature and Moral Norms

 

 

 

 

30

Contraception

 

 

Library Online Reading-first half

 

Sept

4

Contraception

 

 

Library Online Reading-second half

 

 

6

Marriage according to Aquinas

 

 

Reading from Augustine; Aquinas, ST, II-II, q. 153, a.1 through q. 154, a. 2 (online)

 

 

11

Marriage according to Aquinas

 

 

ST, Suppl., qq. 41, 42, 44

 

 

14

Marriage:  Its Essence and Purposes

 

 

ST, Suppl. Qq. 49, 65

 

 

18

Marriage:  Its Essence and Purposes

 

 

Wilson, Chs. 2 & 4

 

 

20

Marriage and its Properties (monogamy, permanence)

 

 

Online Reading

 

 

25

Marriage and its Properties (monogamy, permanence)

 

 

Online Reading

 

 

27

Homosexual Marriage Debate

 

 

 

Oct

2

Homosexual Marriage Debate

 

 

 

 

9

Marriage and the Law

 

 

Online Reading

 

 

11

Marriage and the Law

 

 

 

 

16

Mid-Semester Exam

 

 

 

 

18

Marriage and Sexual Acts

 

 

 

 

23

Marriage and Sexual Acts

 

 

 

 

25

Marriage and Sexual Acts

 

 

 

 

30

JP II on marriage

 

 

Online Reading (from Theology of the Body)

 

Nov

6

Feminism

 

 

Online Reading

 

 

8

Feminism

 

 

Gilder, Chs. 1-4

 

 

13

Man and Woman: Biological Differences

 

 

Gilder, Chs. 5-9

 

 

15

Man and Woman: Biological Differences

 

 

Gilder, Chs. 10-13

 

 

20

Men and Monogamy

 

 

Gilder, Chs. 14-17

 

 

27

Men and Monogamy

 

 

 

 

29

Marriage and Politics

 

 

Online Reading

 

Dec

4

Men and Women and Politics

 

 

 

 

6

Men, Women and Marriage

 

 

 

 

PAPER:  Approximately 8-12 pp. long.  Suggested topics will be distributed; further instructions on its method will be given in class.  An outline of the paper must be submitted by April 6. The paper is due April 25. 

 

BOOK REVIEW:  A book review (about 4-6 pp.)  of the book by James Q. Wilson is due September 27. 

 

OTHER WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS:  At times I may ask you to write one or two paragraphs on the reading assignment as preparation for a discussion in class.  Summary-outlines of certain passages (sections of articles) will also be assigned.  The grades for these (pass or fail) will be figured into the participation grade.   

 

EXAMS:   There will be two exams.  The final will be cumulative.  No make-ups will be given.  If the first exam is missed then the second one will be worth proportionately more. 

 

GRADES:  The grade will be calculated as follows: About 30% for each exam, 30% for the paper, and 10% for participation.  The book review is part of class participation.  Failure to complete will of course adversely affect one’s overall grade.