• Class hours: TuF 11:20-12:35
• Office hours: MTh 3-5; TuF 5-6
• Office: Ward 252
• Phone: 885-2955 (if I am not in, you may leave a message)
• e-mail: dgolash@american.edu

This course focuses on the philosophical grounding of various positions on moral issues in the public forum. The limits of law in enforcing moral standards and the tensions between liberty and control are examined. You will be encouraged to develop and argue for your own position on these issues.

• Kant, Fundamental Principles of the Metaphysic of Morals
• Mill, Utilitarianism
• Mappes and Zembaty, Social Ethics, 5th ed.

• All students are expected to attend class regularly and to be prepared to discuss the reading. Attendance and participation constitute 10% of your grade.
• There will be one test (15% of your grade) and a final examination (25%). Both tests will consist entirely of essay questions. A study sheet will be provided for each test.
• There will be two 6-8 page papers (each 25% of your grade). Papers must be turned in on time.
• You may request permission to submit a revised version of the first paper. Permission will usually be granted provided other course requirements, including attendance, have been met. Revised papers will be regraded; the new grade will replace the original grade. Revised papers will be accepted up to the last day of class.

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Introduction

Tu Jan 19

MORAL THEORY

Ethical Relativism

Jan 22

Handout
Summary of lecture

• Additional sources on ethical relativism

Utilitarianism

Jan. 26-29

Mill, Utilitarianism, ch. 1-5
Summary of lectures

Web links:

• Complete text of Mill's Utilitarianism [link updated 1/25/99]
• Another source for Mill's Utilitarianism
• Additional sources on utilitarianism
• John Stuart Mill

Kantian Ethics

Feb. 2-12

Kant, Fundamental Principles of the Metaphysic of Morals
Summary of lectures

• Complete text of Fundamental Principles of the Metaphysic of Morals
• Additional sources on Kantian Ethics

Feb. 16 TEST

LAW AND MEDICINE

Abortion

Summary of lectures

Feb. 19    Social Ethics, pp. 1-27 (Warren, English)
Feb. 23    Social Ethics, pp. 27-54 (Marquis, Roe v. Wade, Planned Parenthood v. Carey, Sherwin)
Feb. 26    no new assignment

Web links:

• Abortion law
• Atlantic Monthly articles on abortion, 1965-1997

Euthanasia

Summary of lectures

March 1    Social Ethics, pp. 55-77
March 5    Social Ethics, pp. 77-105

Web links:

• Recent articles on euthanasia
• Full text of Cruzan case
• Recent press release of AMA (one-time registration required)

LAW AND EQUALITY

Racism and Sexism

Summary of lectures

March 9-23

Paper #1 due March 23

Social Ethics, Ch. 6

SPRING BREAK - March 13-21

Pornography, Hate Speech, and Censorship

March 26

Mill, On Liberty
Handout:  "A Ride on the Bus"
Summary of lectures

March 30-April 9

Pornography, p. 212-233
Summary of lectures

April 13-20

Hate Speech, pp. 234-242
Summary of lectures

Web links

• War of Words
• Racist Speech, Outsider Jurisprudence, and the Meaning of America by Steven H. Shiffrin
• ABA Concept Paper on Media Law
• Statement by Stanford President regarding decision in Corry v. Stanford University

Capital Punishment

April 23-30

Social Ethics, Ch. 9

Paper #2 due April 27
 

May 11 FINAL EXAM