Present Moral Problems

3 units

Examination, in the light of both contemporary discussion and the philosophical literature, of some moral problems of current concern. Issues include abortion and euthanasia, race relations, the limits of political dissent, surrogate motherhood, and the moral character of sexual relationships. Can torture be justified? How should we treat animals? Is racial profiling ever okay? What, if any, limitations should we place on the use of drugs? What about pornography? How should immigration be managed? And what do we owe to less fortunate people in other countries? In this class, we'll discuss these and other pressing ethical and political issues currently facing modern societies.