WELCOME TO PHIL 202
Fall 2024

Contemporary Moral Problems

“While my own opinions as to ethics do not satisfy me, other people’s satisfy me still less,” observed Bertrand Russell. Although ethical questions are of the first importance in both personal and public life – often literally matters of life and death – they are often among the most confounding and divisive issues that we face. We will consider contrasting views on such topics as abortion, affirmative action, and the environment. We will find that a distinctively philosophical approach to ethical challenges can promote productive discussion of controversial issues and can deepen our understanding of ethical views – our own and other people’s.

Mark Greene
Tue and Thu
Memorial Hall #123
Library & internet resources, no text to purchase
More on Canvas@UD
Philosophy is a conversation. As such, being good at philosophy is being able to understand a difficult conversation and contribute something substantive to it. Like riding a bike, you can't get good at this by reading about it or watching other people do it: you have to have a go yourself. Therefore, the emphasis will be more on developing skills than on learning a body of knowledge:
  • By reading influential contributions to the conversation, we will get a sense for the range of views people have, and why they have them.
  • Through short written tasks, we will hone our ability to explain tricky ideas accurately, precisely, and clearly.
  • By engaging in class discussion, we will get into the habit of critically evaluating views - whether we agree with them or not - and develop and defend our own views on the issues being discussed.
  • By solving puzzles in quizzes, we will practice our abilities to understand views precisely, and to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the reasons offered to support those views.
  • As a UD faculty member, I am required to notify the UD Title IX coordinator of any report of behavior that may constitute sexual misconduct under UD policy. This mandate applies…
    • To reports that I become aware of in class, in office hours, in advisement meetings, via email, or in any other mode or context.
    • Regardless of whether the report is made directly to me, arises in class or other discussion, or is overheard.
    • Even if the person reported to have experienced prohibited conduct does not want the Title IX coordinator to be notified.
  • More information and resources:
    • For more information on the University of Delaware’s Sexual Misconduct Policy, including information on confidential resources, see sites.udel.edu/sexualmisconduct.
    • UD provides 24 hour crisis assistance and victim advocacy and counseling. Contact 302 831-2226, Student Health Services, to get in touch with a sexual offense support advocate.

Contact me

Email @udel.edu:
mkgreene
Winter 2025 office hours by appointment on Zoom.
Office:
15 Kent Way #107.
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