Ethical Theory: Puzzles, Paradoxes, and Thought Experiments

(3 Credit Hours) · Undergraduate

This course will focus on philosophical paradoxes that arise in the context of ethical theorizing. For the purposes of this course, we’ll understand a paradox to be a set of propositions each of which seems true, but which together entail (via a set of seemingly valid inferences) a logical contradiction—that is, a proposition, P, and its denial, not-P. Paradoxes are fun, surprising, and even confounding. But they aren’t just entertaining; they’re important. They have historically marked crises in human thought, provoking us to rethink previously unquestioned assumptions. The result, in many instances, has been an important revolution in our thinking. By studying these paradoxes, we will learn how our thinking can go wrong in rather subtle and surprising ways. What’s more, we will learn about ethical theories such as Kantianism and utilitarianism. The course requirements are Attendance and Participation (10%), one In-Class Presentation (15%), two Take-Home Assignments (each 15%), an In-Class Midterm Exam (20%), and In-Class Final Exam (25%).