Moral Philosophy, PHL 210 (MWF), Fall, 2023
Syllabus Moral Philosophy, PHL 210-01 & 210-04 (MWF), Fall, 2023, Prof. Michael Kagan, last updated 08/25/2023.
Class meetings MWF as scheduled. Right now, the plan is to meet in person.
Office hours via zoom - TU & TH 1:10-1:55pm, and by appointment.
(Please see Canvas version of syllabus for zoom link or email for more information.)
Tel:315-445-4489 - Campus voice mail - you should receive a reply within a few days.
Email:kagan@lemoyne.edu - You should receive a reply within a day or so (not including weekends).
This course aims at an understanding of the activity of making moral judgments or affirming one value or set of values over another. At issue are, typically, the meaning of the words spoken when people make ethical assertions, the possibility of justifying or proving the truth of such assertions and the implications of discovering situations in which the ethical dimension is problematic. Integral to this course is a study of these questions in the light of the great traditions of ethical thinking as they have come to light in the various wisdom literatures. (Le Moyne College Catalog)
Philosophy department outcomes this course serves:
Students will develop a philosophical understanding of the world through the eyes of others.
Philosophically Significant Issues in the World: Students will evince a mature discernment of the relationship between philosophically significant issues and their own intellectual and moral worlds.
Students will be able to summarize a philosophical argument with appropriate detail.
Core outcomes this course serves:
CLO 1 Disciplinary Inquiry
Students will explore meaningful questions, both practical and transcendent, through study in the arts, humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences.
CLO 3 Critical Thinking
Students will comprehensively evaluate issues, ideas, events, and works before making informed conclusions.
CLO 4 Written Communication
Students will produce coherent arguments in writing.
CLO 5 Oral Communication
Students will prepare and present in a variety of contexts, as speaker and listener.
CLO 8 Ethical Integrity
Students will make reasoned ethical decisions by assessing their own moral values, recognizing different ethical perspectives, and thoughtfully analyzing ethical and moral dilemmas.
CLO 9 Creating a More Just Society
Students will investigate complex challenges involving cultural and social diversity, and the individual's role in developing just solutions.
[Links to some online versions of these texts can be found by clicking here.]
Plato - Five Dialogues (Grube translation, with Cooper revisions)
Aristotle - Nicomachean Ethics (David Rosss translation)
Confucius - Analects (D.C. Laus translation)
Lau Tzu - Tao Te Ching (D.C. Laus translation)
Martin Buber - The Way of Man
Kathryn J. Norlock - "Feminist Ethics", The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
AI Writing tools such as ChatGPT are welcome in this class, provided that you cite when
and how you use the tool. You will be provided with examples of how to cite your use of
this tool in your writing.
Example of attribution language:
The author generated this text in part with GPT-3, OpenAIs large-scale
language-generation model. Upon generating draft language, the author reviewed,
edited, and revised the language to their own liking and takes ultimate responsibility for
the content of this publication.
Statement from faculty member at Siena College:
https://www.depts.ttu.edu/tlpdc/JillHogan_AISyllabusStatement.pdf
Syllabus Statement - Jill Hogan jillian.a.hogan@gmail.com
Excerpted from "Working Document for Generative AI Syllabi Statements," emailed from the Dean Beth Mitchell on June 14, 2023.
In coordination with the Academic Support Center (ASC) and Disability Support Services, reasonable accommodations are provided for qualified students with disabilities. Please register with the ASC Office for disability verification and determination of reasonable accommodations. After receiving your accommodation form from the ASC, you will need to make an appointment with me to review the form and discuss your needs. Please make every attempt to meet with me within the first week of class so your accommodations can be provided in a timely manner. You can either stop by the ASC, Library, 1st floor, or call (445-4118-voice or 445-4104-TDD) to make an appointment.
A copy of a recent (Fall 2023) Le Moyne College COVID-19 Syllabus Statement and the Le Moyne College Student Support Statements (4/21/21) is found below the course schedule in the links and other important information section.
If you miss class for any obligation or religious observance throughout the semester, please let me know (so it gets recorded as an excused absence).
No classes or office hours on the following dates:
Aug. 30., Wed., Mass of the Holy Spirit, 10:45 a.m. in the Panasci Family Chapel. Classes that run 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. or 10 a.m. to 10:50 a.m. will dismiss at 10:30 a.m. Classes scheduled for 11 a.m. and noon will not be held.
Note - on Wednesday, Sep. 13, I may have to miss class due to a family member's surgery. If so, I will post that information as an announcement once I know.
Sept. 25, Mon., Yom Kippur
Note - on Wednesday, Sep. 27, I may have to miss class due to a family member's surgery. If so, I will post that information as an announcement once I know.
Oct. 9-10 Mon-Tues - Wellness break
Nov. 22-26 Wed-Sun - Thanksgiving Break
Take-home Quizzes
Wed., Oct. 11 - 1st take-home quiz given (due Wed., Oct. 18).
Wed., Nov. 8 - 2nd take home quiz given (due Wed., Nov. 15). The second quiz is optional for students who passed the first quiz (received a grade of 60 or better).
Last day for our class is the last day of classes, Fri., Dec. 8.
This semester (Fall 2023) the plan is to start meeting synchronously in person. If we end up using Zoom again, please check your email and Canvas for information and the links to the Zoom sessions. I will attempt to record the lectures for student use.
When campus/dorms are closed due to flu or other circumstances, my intent is that the course continue. Assignments continue to be due electronically (if Canvas is down, email to kagan@lemoyne.edu may still work). Presentations will be replaced by papers, virtual presentations, or extended descriptions of presentations. In addition to notes and group work already available there on-line, I will post updates, lecture notes, etc., to Canvas and to my Le Moyne College website athttp://web.lemoyne.edu/~kagan/index.html.
As at other times, if your situation results in your needing an extension, please let me know. Also, if internet service is down or there are other infrastructure problems, please complete the assignments and turn them in when services are restored.
Your grade will be based on the average of the following:
(50%) You will have an opportunity to take two take-home quizzes. These will be handed out at least 4 days before they are due. Late quizzes will receive a 15% grading penalty for each day they are late. [If you cannot get a quiz in on time, please let me know you need to take a make-up quiz with a different deadline.] Unless otherwise indicated, please complete the quiz in less than 500 words. All work, except in-class writings, is to be typed double-spaced. Quizzes are to be turned in electronically on the date due through Canvas (if you cannot access Canvas, please email the quiz to me at kagan@lemoyne.edu, and - in addition to the file attachment - please paste the text of your answers into your email message.)
(50%) Other class work, which may include the following: group work/in-class writings/optional quizzes (optional quizzes can be used to replace take-home quizzes and vice-versa).
Grades are based on a 10-point scale as follows:
90-100 - 'A' range (97-100 = A+; 94-96=A; 90-93=A-); 80-89 - 'B' range (87-89 = B+; 84-86=B; 80-83=B-);
70-79 - 'C' range (77-79 = C+; 74-76=C; 70-73=C-); 60-69 - 'D' range (67-69 = D+; 64-66=D; 60-63=D-).
Below 60 - 'F'.
Week #1 (of Aug. 28) Introduce course. Discussion of nomos, phusis, logos, & reading. Brief survey of ethical theories. Start reading Platos Euthyphro (the Plato assignments are in the Five Dialogues text). The following reading assignments are intended ideally to be completed by the date indicated. If you need to choose between reading carefully and completing the entire reading, I recommend reading carefully.
In-class writing assignment Please answer at least one of the following and submit your answer on Canvas. What do you like to study? Is there anything you want me to know about you or your interests that could help you learn more in this course.
Week #2 (Mon., Sept. 4) Continue brief survey of ethical theories. Group work on ethical theories. Read Platos Euthyphro.
Week #3 (Mon., Sept. 11) Read Platos Apology.
Wed., Sep. 13. TBA/Apology.
Note - on Wednesday, Sep. 13, I may have to miss class due to a family member's surgery. If so, I will post that information as an announcement once I know.
Week #4 (Mon., Sept. 18) Read Platos Crito.
Group work - In the three dialogues Euthyphro, Apology, and Crito, what authority or authorities is Socrates willing to disobey? Why? What authority or authorities is Socrates willing to obey? Why?
Week #5
Mon., Sept. 25, Yom Kippur. No class or office hours.
(Wed., Sept. 27) TBA/Platos Meno. Group work question - According to Socrates in this dialogue, why should we seek the truth even if we are not persuaded by the idea of knowledge from recollection?
Note - on Wednesday, Sep. 27, I may have to miss class due to a family member's surgery. If so, I will post that information as an announcement once I know.
Week #6 (Mon., Oct. 2) Read Platos Phaedo. Choose one of the following questions for group work:
(1) What is misology? Why is Socrates opposed to it?
(2) Judging by his behavior in this dialogue, what does Socrates think are some of the obligations of the dying to the living? What in the Phaedo suggests this?
Week #7
Oct. 9-10 - Mon-Tues - Wellness break
Wed., Oct. 11 - 1st take-home quiz given (due Wed., Oct. 18).
Week #7 (Wed., Oct. 11) Read Aristotles Nicomachean Ethics, Book 1. Group work:
Who does Aristotle claim is the appropriate student for ethics? Why?
Week #8 (Mon., Oct. 16) Read Nicomachean Ethics, Books 2-7. Read Kathryn J. Norlocks Feminist Ethics. Group work questions - Describe two virtues in terms of the principle of the mean.
Then, answer one of the following:
1st take-home quiz due Wed., Oct. 18.
Week #9 (Mon., Oct. 23) Read Nicomachean Ethics, Books 8-9. Group work Does Aristotles account of friendship explain the friendships you are familiar with? If so, how? Please give an example. If not, describe a friendship the theory does not explain, and explain why it fails to explain that friendship.
Week #10 (Mon., Oct. 30) Read Confucius Analects, Books I-X. Group work - Choose an analect that you like or find interesting. Explain why you like it or what you find interesting about it. Explain how it fits in with or contradicts other analects you have read.
Week #11 (Mon. Nov. 6) Group work Read Analects, Books X-XX. Answer at least one of the following.
Group Work on Confucius Analects and some human situations, Books I-XX. Answer at least one of the following.
Having read the Analects, choose an analect that you find interesting or surprising. How could it be applied?
The Analects indicate a variety of responses to living in a corrupt society. Name two. What is an advantage of each? What is a disadvantage of each?
Wed., Nov. 8 - 2nd take home quiz given (due Wed., Nov. 15). The second quiz is optional for students who passed the first quiz (received a grade of 60 or better).
Week #12 (Mon. Nov. 13) Read Lau Tzus Tao Te Ching, Book One.
Group work What is one short passage from this section of the Tao Te Ching that you found interesting, puzzling or confusing? Specify it by source, chapter number, and title (for example, "Book 1, 13" or Book One, XIII"). Explain what is interesting, puzzling or confusing about this passage.
Week #13 (Mon., Nov. 20 ) Read Lau Tzus Tao Te Ching, Book Two.
Group work What is one short passage from this section of the Tao Te Ching that you found interesting, puzzling or confusing? Specify it by source, chapter number, and title. Explain what is interesting, puzzling or confusing about this passage.
Nov. 22-26 Wed-Sun - Thanksgiving Break
Weeks #14-15. (Mon., Nov. 27, and Mon., Dec.4) Read Martin Bubers Way of Man. Group work Of the stories told here, summarize one that your group found interesting. What teaching does it offer about how to live a better life? What is the source of this teaching? If any members of your group are familiar with another place where this teaching can be found, please have them say where they have found it.
(Fri. Dec. 8) Last day of class. TBA/Final evaluations, and depending on the implementation of the new evaluation system.)
Note: There is no final exam in this class.
Links to some online versions of the course texts
Materials for Ethics
Norlock, Kathryn, "Feminist Ethics", The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Summer 2019 Edition), Edward N. Zalta (ed.).
Kagan's homepage
Le Moyne College
COVID-19 Syllabus Statement
Fall 2023
Overview. The following information describes the health and safety guidelines for in-person classes and classrooms, which are subject to change1. The College may adjust health and safety protocols pending prevalence of the COVID-19 virus and its transmissibility on campus, in Onondaga County, and/or the State of New York. Please note, given the dynamic nature of the coronavirus, all students, faculty, and staff are expected to monitor campus email announcements for policy updates.
Summary of Key Classroom Health and Safety Protocols:
Hospital Admission Levels. Since many people are believed to have some protection, or immunity, against COVID-19 due to vaccination, previous infection, or both, the CDC now monitors levels of viral transmission of the coronavirus by tracking hospital admission levels for each county and state. Hospital admission levels are classified as low, medium, or high. For each hospital admission level, the CDC further provides prevention steps that each individual can take based on a countys hospital admission level and an individuals personal risk factors. Additionally, the CDC continues to recommend that individuals regardless of vaccination status may choose to wear a face covering at any time regardless of the level of transmission, particularly if they are immunocompromised or at increased risk for severe disease from COVID-19, or if they have someone in their household who is immunocompromised, at increased risk of severe disease or not fully vaccinated. As a caring community, the College respects and supports individuals who choose to wear face coverings.
College Face Covering Requirement. As fall approaches, transmission levels and hospital admission levels are relatively stable in our local community and on campus. Additionally, vaccination rates are high among members of the campus community. Within the aforementioned context, the face covering requirement for the college community is as follows. At this time, with the exception of the following circumstances, face coverings are optional on campus. However, appropriate2 face coverings are required to be properly worn (i.e., covering both mouth and nose) by all persons, regardless of vaccination status, until further notice,
In the following circumstances:
COVID-19 Vaccine and Boosters. As part of the Colleges strategy to reduce the risk of transmission and serious illness, Le Moyne highly encourages and recommends that all eligible undergraduate and graduate students (together with faculty, staff, and administrators) remain up to date on their COVID-19 vaccines.
Approved Student Absences from Class. Students are expected to attend classes in-person as scheduled and require appropriate approval to be excused from in-person classes. Students may be excused from attending in-person classes for short-term absences due to illness such as colds or the flu, accidents, or quarantine/isolation from a confirmed COVID infection. Students who must miss class for illness should follow the Policy on Student Absenteeism in the Event of Illness or Accident, which stipulates the following. If illness or injury requires more than three consecutive days of hospital or home care, Health Services needs to be informed [(315) 445-4440]. If the student has been treated by a doctor off campus, some documentation from that office will be expected. Health Services will then notify the Registrar who will inform the students instructors, advisor, and the appropriate academic dean. It is the students responsibility to contact his or her instructors, as soon as possible, to explain the absence and make arrangements for the completion of missed work or tests.
COVID-19 Symptoms. Regardless of vaccination status, students who are experiencing COVID-19-related symptoms must not attend class and are encouraged to contact the Student Health Center [healthservices@lemoyne.edu, (315) 445-4440] or their primary medical provider. COVID-19-related symptoms may include one or some combination of the following:
Responsibility to the Le Moyne Community. Finally, in keeping with our values as a Jesuit college, each member of the community is expected to act honestly and ethically regarding any experienced COVID-19-related symptoms. Further, each member of the community is expected to take care of not only their own health, but to be mindful of the health of others and to avoid actions that may jeopardize the health and welfare of those we learn, work and live with at the College. A well-informed and attentive community better protects the vulnerable amongst us and loved ones at home.
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[1] The Colleges policies remain subject to public health orders issued by the Onondaga County Health Department and New York State Department of Health, and will be adjusted if directed by public health authorities.
2 Appropriate and recommended face coverings include N95, KN95 or KF94 respirators, surgical masks, and face coverings made of at least two layers of cloth. Above all else, a snug fit (no gaps, wired nose bridge, adjustable ear loops), offers the best protection to the user and the community. Most importantly, face coverings with an exhalation/release valve, single-layer gaiter-style neck fleeces, and bandanas should NOT be worn on campus.
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Student Support Statements
Students are encouraged to speak up, be engaged, and participate in class. Classes will represent a diversity of individual beliefs, backgrounds, and experiences. We may not share the same views on some topics, but we converse in a respectful manner. Le College is a zero-tolerance campus.
9. ACADEMIC STANDARDS: Students are expected to observe at all times the highest ethical standards as members of the academic community. Any form of dishonesty makes a student liable to severe sanctions, including expulsion from the College. For details see the Community Standards section of the Student Handbook.
10. BIAS-RELATED INCIDENTS: Le Moyne College defines a bias-related incident as behavior that constitutes an expression of hostility against the person or property of another because of the targeted persons race, religion, sexual orientation, ethnicity, national origin, gender, age, or disability. Bias-related incidents include, but are not limited to, non-threatening name calling and using degrading language or slurs that are directed toward a person because of his or her membership or perceived membership in a protected class and that create a hostile environment for that person.
Students who believe they have experienced bias or discrimination are encouraged to report the incident. Please refer to Le Moynes Bias-Related Incident Reporting webpage to submit a report and for further information.
11. OBSERVANCE OF RELIGIOUS HOLIDAYS: Students who are unable to attend class, participate in any examination, study or classwork requirements on a particular day because of his or her religious beliefs are eligible for an equivalent opportunity to make up any missed examination, study, or classwork requirement, without penalties or additional fees. Students who require such an opportunity must contact their instructor at least two weeks in advance. A full copy of the Colleges policy on the observance of religious holidays can be found in the deans offices.
12. SPECIAL NEEDS: Your access in this course is important. Any student who feels s/he may need an accommodation based on the impact of a disability should contact the instructor privately to discuss your specific needs. You should also meet with someone from Disability Support Services (DSS) about your disability and accommodation needs. The DSS office is located on the first floor of the library (315-445-4118; dss@lemoyne.edu). This should take place within the first 2 weeks of the semester.
13. TITLE IX: Students who believe they have been harassed, discriminated against, or involved in sexual violence should contact the Title IX Coordinator (315-445-4278) for information about campus resources and support services, including confidential counseling services.
Le Moyne faculty are concerned about the well-being and development of our students and we are available to discuss your concerns. As faculty, we are obligated to share information with the Colleges Title IX coordinator to help ensure that the students safety and welfare are being addressed, consistent with the requirements of the law. These disclosures include, but are not limited to, reports of sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking.
Please refer to Le Moyne's Sexual Misconduct Resources webpage for contact information and further details.
14. STUDENTS WITH PERSONAL/MENTAL HEALTH CONCERNS: Students who encounter personal problems of any kind, especially problems that might affect their academic performance, are encouraged to contact the Wellness Center for Health and Counseling (https://www.lemoyne.edu/Student-Life/Student-Services/Wellness-Center). The Center is located on the 2nd floor of Seton Hall; appointments may be arranged by phone at 445-4195 or e-mail at counselingservices@lemoyne.edu. The Center provides both individual and group counseling on a strictly confidential basis. The Counseling staff is also available on an emergency basis.
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16. WRITING CENTER: Writing well is difficult. One of the best ways to become a better writer is to talk with other, smart writers about your work. Le Moynes Writing Center provides you with just such a resource. Whether youre getting started, drafting paragraphs, revising ideas, or proofreading, you can make an appointment to meet face-to-face or online with a writing tutor to talk about any academic or professional writing assignment. More information, including the Writing Centers hours, are available on the Writing Centers webpage. You can sign up for an appointment through WCOnline or email writingcenter@lemoyne.edu with any questions.
17. QUANTITATIVE REASONING CENTER: The QRC supports students taking courses that require numerical manipulation and/or analysis. We offer collaborative tutoring (clinics) with trained peer tutors for course content and we can help you develop learning strategies for these subjects as well. You can find our schedule at lemoyne.edu/qrc or email qrc@lemoyne.edu with any questions.
18. CAREER ADVISING AND DEVELOPMENT: Its never too early to think about your career path. Your future is worth the investment of time and effort! We understand that each Dolphin is unique, and we work to develop a personalized plan that encompasses one's passions, skills and opportunities. Whether its choosing a major, deciding what to do with the major youve got, finding an internship, or landing a job, we have resources and expertise to help. www.lemoyne.edu/careers
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