PHIL 207(S) Moral Theory

This course is designed as a sequel to Philosophy 101, and as background to upper level courses in moral and political philosophy. By way of historical figures such as Aristotle, Locke, Hume, Kant, and contemporary moral philosophers such as Williams, Korsgaard, and McDowell, it exhibits in depth the nature of moral reasoning. How does the kind of thinking that goes into moral choices differ, if at all, from the kind of "instrumentalist" reasoning that goes into economic choices? Do we need to know what purpose human lives have in order to make moral decisions? Do we need to know whether morals are "objective" or not? How is moral thinking related to literary interpretation, to aesthetic judgment, to the social sciences? Philosophy 207 should be useful to students in economics, political science, anthropology, and religion, as well as to students planning to take advanced classes in philosophy. Requirements: four short papers (3-4 pages); one class presentation. Prerequisite: Philosophy 101 or permission of the instructor.

Hour:  KAMTEKAR