Phil. 148: Reason and Argument (Jennifer Kittlaus, 10:20-12:20 M-F, 122 Fraser Hall, June 9 - July 2)
This course is designed as an introduction to the theory and practice of logical analysis. Logic may be defined as the science of arguments. The chief aim of logic is to provide us with tools to evaluate others’ arguments, as well as methods to help us construct our own arguments. Studying logic is valuable insofar as we encounter arguments every day. Logic is valuable not only to the attorney, whose job it is to construct a compelling case on behalf of her client, or the physician, whose job it is to consider her patient’s interests and determine the treatment that is best for her patient; logic is also valuable to the voter who wishes to make an informed decision regarding the candidates for whom she will vote and the consumer who is trying to decide which product best suits her needs. The need to think critically pervades practically every facet of our lives. As a result, the study of logic is considered an important part of every student’s education.

Phil. 160: Intro to Ethics (Dale Dorsey, 9:10-11:10 M-F, June 9-July 2)
This course is an introduction to the nature and varieties of ethical theory. This course will not focus on specific moral problems, i.e., abortion, euthanasia, etc., but rather on the different ways about thinking of the fundamental issues about morality, about the grand theories of what makes a life good and what our obligations to others (and to ourselves) are and how they are to be grounded.  In other words, rather than being a course that examines specific moral questions in themselves, this course will examine how one might go about answering these specific questions. Hence the goal of this course is to present the nature of moral reasoning.  To this end, we will begin by examining whether morality is universal, or whether moral truths can be relative to one's own society, culture, or, even, relative to one's own perspective.  Second, we will discuss the nature of the good life--what it means to say that a person is living a good life.  Third, we will examine the two most important moral theories of the modern period, the moral theories of John Stuart Mill and Immanuel Kant, and associated criticisms.  My hope is that at the end of this course, you will have an understanding of moral argument--how to recognize one, and how to make one.

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