PHIL 207 Moral Theory (Not offered 1998-99)

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 Aristotle, Aquinas, Locke, Hume, Adam Smith and Kant, and of contemporary figures such as Bernard Williams, Christine Korsgaard, and John McDowell, it examines 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 to make moral decisions? How is moral thinking related to literary interpretation, to aesthetic judgment, to the social sciences? Philosophy 211 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.

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