Mark Greene
© 2005-2011
   
  • Class texts
    • Required
      • Lewis Vaughn (2010). "Doing Ethics" 2nd Edition (UD B&N - Amazon)
      • Other required readings available via Sakai@UD (Under 'Resources' > 'Readings')
  • All classes in Kirkbride 004, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8am to 9:15am
  • Deadlines are highlighted - for details see assessment
  • Click for slideshows of the class presentations - click for printable versions

NB: Timetable is subject to change as class progresses -
check back frequently (and refresh your browser)

Timetable of Classes
Feb 7

General introduction:

  • Essential philosophical skills
Feb 9

Argument:

  • Arguments: good, bad and ugly
Feb 14

Universal healthcare:

  • Why the US system is insane but not evil.
Feb 16

Ethics: view slide show download pdf

  • Reading
    • Chapter 1. Pp.3-12.
Feb 16

Assignment

Feb 21

Sex & marriage

  • Readings
    • What's Wrong With Homosexuality. John Finnis. Pp.445-446.
    • Homosexuality and Love. Martha Nussbaum. Pp.447-448.
Feb 23

Gay marriage

  • Reading
    • The Debate Over Marriage. Jeffrey Jordan. On Sakai@UD
  • In class group work
    • Develop a challenge to Jordan's argument.
Feb 28

New reproductive technologies

  • Reading
    • Choosing Future People. Mark Greene. On Sakai@UD.
Mar 1

Selection for Disability:

  • Reading
    • Everworse: What's Wrong With Selecting for Disability. Mark Greene & Steven Augello. On Sakai@UD
Mar 6

In-Class Group Assignment 1
Write an explanation of the non-identity problem using an example from environmental ethics
Max 300 words

  • In-Class Group Assignment
    • Groups are assigned and the assignment is completed in class.
    • Submit in class via Sakai@UD, or by handing in a legible paper version.
    • One submission per group is acceptable. The submitted document should state the group number and the names of all authors who actually contributed.
    • It is the responsiblity of every group member to ensure that all participants are credited and that the submission goes through (make sure you see the confirmation page).
  • If you are not in class, you will need to make an on-time, individual submission.
  • Before class
    • Please think about how to make an effective contribution to a group project.
    • Review the relevant instructions for the assignment on the assessment page.
    • Refresh your memory of relevant sources.
    • Do any additional background research that might help with the project.
    • Come prepared to contribute.
  • Peer evaluations
    • Please take note of each group member's contribution and be ready to submit online peer evaluations as requested.
Mar 8

Abortion background

  • Reading
    • Chapter 8 Intro. Pp.161-173.
Mar 10
11:55pm

Deadline:

  • Submit Group Assignment 1
Mar 11
11:55pm

Deadline:
Mar 13

Personhood and potential:

  • Reading slide show download pdf
    • Why Abortion is Immoral. Don Marquis. Pp.192-204.
Mar 15

Rights and persons:

  • Reading slide show download pdf
    • A Defense of Abortion. Judith Jarvis Thomson. Pp.173-183.
Mar 20

Environment slide show download pdf

  • Reading
    • Chapter 14 Intro. Pp.498-507.
Mar 22

Environment

  • Reading
    • Environmental Justice. James P Sterba. Pp.535-545.
Mar 23
5am

Deadline:
Apr 3

War:

  • Readings slide show download pdf
    • Chapter 16 Intro. Pp.608-616.
    • Humanitatian Intervention: Some Doubts. Burleigh Wilkins. Pp.669-675.
Apr 5

Torture:

  • Reading
    • Torture, Morality, and Law. Jeff McMahan. On Sakai@UD.
Apr 9
5am

Deadline:
Apr 10

In-Class Group Assignment 2
Write an abstract of Torture, Morality, and Law. Jeff McMahan.
Max 200 words

  • In-Class Group Assignment
    • Groups are assigned and the assignment is completed in class.
    • Submit in class via Sakai@UD, or by handing in a legible paper version.
    • One submission per group is acceptable. The submitted document should state the group number and the names of all authors who actually contributed.
    • It is the responsiblity of every group member to ensure that all participants are credited and that the submission goes through (make sure you see the confirmation page).
  • If you are not in class, you will need to make an on-time, individual submission.
  • Before class
    • Please think about how to make an effective contribution to a group project.
    • Review the relevant instructions for the assignment on the assessment page.
    • Refresh your memory of relevant sources.
    • Do any additional background research that might help with the project.
    • Come prepared to contribute.
  • Peer evaluations
    • Please take note of each group member's contribution and be ready to submit online peer evaluations as requested.
Apr 10
In class

Deadline:

  • Submit Group Assignment 2.
Apr 12

'The Intruder' - Affirmative action background:

  • Reading
    • Chapter 13. Pp.451-459.
Apr 17

For & against affirmative action: slide show download pdf

  • Reading
    • Affirmative Action and Fairness. Robert K Fullinwider. Pp.463-467.
    • The Case against Affirmative Action. Louis P Pojman. Pp.467-479.
Apr 19

Heritability & race

  • Reading
    • How Heritability Misleads About Race. Ned Block (1995). Cognition 56: 99-128.
Apr 24

In-Class Group Assignment 3:

Write a concise explanation of why having high heritability is not the same as being inherited.
Max 300 words.

  • In-Class Group Assignment
    • Groups are assigned and the assignment is completed in class.
    • Submit in class via Sakai@UD, or by handing in a legible paper version.
    • One submission per group is acceptable. The submitted document should state the group number and the names of all authors who actually contributed.
    • It is the responsiblity of every group member to ensure that all participants are credited and that the submission goes through (make sure you see the confirmation page).
  • If you are not in class, you will need to make an on-time, individual submission.
  • Before class
    • Please think about how to make an effective contribution to a group project.
    • Review the relevant instructions for the assignment on the assessment page.
    • Refresh your memory of relevant sources.
    • Do any additional background research that might help with the project.
    • Come prepared to contribute.
  • Peer evaluations
    • Please take note of each group member's contribution and be ready to submit online peer evaluations as requested.
Apr 24
In class

Deadline:

  • Submit Group Assignment 3.
Apr 26

Animals

  • Reading
    • Duties to Animals. Immanuel Kant. Pp.597-598.
    • All Animals Are Equal. Peter Singer. Pp.565-574.
Apr 30
5am

Deadline:
May 1

'Other' cultures

  • Reading on Sakai@UD - 'Resources'
    • Do Muslim Women Really Need Saving? Lila Abu-Lughod
May 3

In-Class Group Assignment 4: The Bad Argument Assignment
Hunt for bad arguments in the wild and bring a candidate or two to class.

 

NB: Mark will be in Georgetown, not in class, today. So, be especially sure you come to class prepared:

  • Think ahead and ask any questions about the assignment ahead of time.
  • Make sure you know which group you are in.
  • Be at the usual place at the usual time for class, prepared to complete the assignment and vacate the room before the next lot arrive.

 

  • In-Class Group Assignment
    • Groups are assigned and the assignment is completed in class.
    • Submit in class via Sakai@UD, or by handing in a legible paper version.
    • One submission per group is acceptable. The submitted document should state the group number and the names of all authors who actually contributed.
    • It is the responsiblity of every group member to ensure that all participants are credited and that the submission goes through (make sure you see the confirmation page).
  • If you are not in class, you will need to make an on-time, individual submission.
  • Before class
    • Please think about how to make an effective contribution to a group project.
    • Review the relevant instructions for the assignment on the assessment page.
    • Refresh your memory of relevant sources.
    • Do any additional background research that might help with the project.
    • Come prepared to contribute.
  • Peer evaluations
    • Please take note of each group member's contribution and be ready to submit online peer evaluations as requested.
May 3
In class

Deadline:

  • Submit Group Assignment 4.
May 8

Libertarianism & Global Justice

  • Reading
    • The Entitlement Theory of Justice. Robert Nozick. Pp.771-779.
May 10

Utilitarianism & Global Justice

  • Reading
    • Famine, Affluence, and Morality. Peter Singer. Pp.797-803.
May 15

Review: come with your questions about the final quiz.
May 20
2:47am

Deadline:

  • Final Quiz on Sakai@UD
    • Your score for the final quiz may not be dropped, even if it is your lowest score.