Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

Students completing this course should be able to:Recognize the philosophical assumptions that are embedded in moral ideas and in philosophical works in order to define one’s moral responsibility in contemporary society.Reflect on and evaluate ethical arguments from diverse sources in order to communicate effectively with others who might have a different opinion from one’s own.Recognize and reflect on the interconnectedness of and the historical development of moral ideas in order to be conscious of the historical context of moral argumentation and its significance in our culture and the culture of others.Additional Honors Outcomes:Analyze ethical arguments in light of original context and historical responses, along with consideration of contemporary concerns and relevant societal developmentsProduce and present an original ethical argument in response to a primary text, using methods ofphilosophical inquiry and research and explaining the reasoning usedLead discussion on a focused ethical topic, either theoretical or an application of ethical theory

Assessment strategies will include some of the following:Essays in the form of in-class exams, short papers, or term papers.Student presentations.Class and small group discussions.Portfolios.Service learning projects.Attendance.

Themes, concepts, Issues:The course will focus on the following topics and issues with a primary focus on theWestern philosophical tradition:Meta-ethics (or Ethical Theory).Normative Ethics.What is the philosophical significance of core ethical concepts such as good, evil, right,and wrong?How have some historically significant philosophers (including, but not limited toSocrates, Plato, Aristotle, Epicurus, Spinoza, Hobbes, Locke, Hume, Kant, Bentham, Mill,Moore, Ayer) responded to philosophical questions concerning morality?Epistemological and metaphysical issues that are raised in connection with EthicalTheories (such as, Are Ethical claims knowledge claims? In what ways do persons differfrom other sorts of entities?)Additional Honors content:Methods of philosophical inquiry and research, focused on ethical concernsCompetencies and Skills:Students will learn to:Comprehend philosophical writings dealing with morality.Paraphrase, illustrate, and explain ideas contained in philosophical writings dealing withmorality.Critique and challenge philosophical ideas dealing with morality.Write philosophically coherent arguments concerning ethical theories and issues.Additional Honors Competencies and Skills:Engage with others in understanding and presenting ethical theories and historical responses tothose theoriesParticipating actively in ethical discussion, contributing and providing support for original ethicalinsightsFacilitating large or small group discussion of interpretations of ethical theoriesFormulating ethical arguments which reflect understanding of significant issues in ethics