PHILOSOPHY - Contemporary Conflicts of Morals

PHIL 120: Contemporary Conflicts of Morals

Summer 2018

Online Meeting Time and Place

Office Hrs:

Digital Office Hrs by email request

1. Course Description

A. Catalog Description

Units: 3; G.E. Foundation and Breadth Area 1C; Prerequisites: G.E. Foundation and Breadth Area C.

Exploration of moral issues through great works, such as philosophy, novels, dramas, or films. Looks at questions such as, "What is it to be moral? Why be moral? Why care about others? How should scarce resources be distributed? What is integrity?"

B. Specific Course Description

Our focus will be on asking the question: What ought we to do in our modern-day, digitally connected lives? That is, how should we treat others, ourselves, and the world in this complex existence? We will be focusing on both external and internal conflicts. We begin with conflicts about how private information spreads; then we transition to lucky morality; and final some existential conflicts that we all have.

2. What to expect each week

· All learning materials are accessible via https://blackboard.learn.fresnostate.edu

· Posted each week (6am), you will have a list of things to do for that week, and where to go to do them. As soon as you log into blackboard you will see the ‘Weekly Content’ folder, which provides all directions, readings, and any additional module content for the week. Keep track of this folder very closely. There will be nearly 3 weeks, starting June 11 - June 29, 2018

**Content weekly content will be released June 11, 18, and 25

· The only other folder with assignments will be the ‘Discussions’ folder (more on discussions in the grade breakdown below). For all assignments see the next section as well as the course schedule at the end of the document. Note when the tests and essays are due at the end of this syllabus in the Weekly Outline section.

This course has strict participation and activity requirements, including engagement with the course material on a weekly basis. Students who do NOT:

1. Log in to the course at least once each week during the first week

2. Engage actively in coursework for at least one hour each week for the first week

3. Submit discussions during the first week

Failing to perform 1-3 will be considered to have abandoned the course and may be administratively dropped by the instructor. Re-enrolment will not be permitted.

3. Meeting

This course will meet, digitally. Please make sure to check 4 important areas on the Side Bar: Syllabus, Weekly Content (this is where all of the readings and module links are), Discussions, and My Grades.

[If you’d like to skip the rest, Section 5 is really important—but always come back to the learning objectives]

4. Learning Objectives

This course consists of analyzing the process of making ethical decisions. We will apply the information to case studies in daily life. Many of the case studies will deal with how we treat people online. The purpose of this course is not only to teach you intro to ethical reasoning, but it is also to teach you the analytical method of doing philosophy. As such we will focus on summarizing and critically analyzing concepts (see ‘Specific Outcomes’ below).

Learning Specific Outcomes:

By the end of the course you will be able to:

(1) Understand and apply concepts in the ethics.

(2) Analyze ethical concepts and theories.

(3) Extrapolate information presented in the class to new thought experiments and scenarios

presented in accountability measures (e.g. essays). The purpose is to master concepts so that you can apply them to new scenarios.

5. Assignments

Your grade in this course will be based on:

A. Test: there is only 1 (20%) and you have 2 tries to take it: (See Calendar for date—I’ve listed it below as well)

· Test due June 29th 11:59pm. You can start this test whenever you would like starting that Monday when the week is released.

· For the test, you are allowed to use your notes as well as the readings and any additional modules.

· The test will be multiple choice and short answer. You will have a 2-hour time limit for at most 30 multiple-choice questions and 2 short answer essays. The questions are directed toward conceptual application. This means that most of the questions will require you to synthesize, extrapolate, and apply information. Specifically, you will not be asked to merely re-state a fact, directly. Rather, you will be asked to e.g., compare and contrast concepts, analyze the features of theories, and analyze empirical scenarios using theoretical frameworks—among other question-types that focus on your use of the concepts and theories. To prepare you for these tests, I will be giving you specific discussion activities.

· You will have from Monday to June 29th to find the right window for you to take the tests, but once you open, 2 hrs starts and cannot be paused. After 2 hrs, the test closes, and you cannot edit any of it. For any given test trial, you cannot re-take the test, even if you open it and then close it or if you experience a computer error. That means, once it is submitted, it is submitted. That sounds really scary, but see the **VERY IMPORTANT** comment below. If you are worried about your Internet connection, please use the computers on campus (If you cannot, and are worried about the internet connection, please email me and I will make alternative plans).

· VERY IMPORTANT: For the test, you will have 2 trials (i.e. 2 opportunities to take it).

· The test content will be everything up to the test, including the previous units.

· Do not work in groups. You will see why when we talk about accuracy of information: sometimes two heads are actually less reliable than 1 and I will show you why.

B. Essays: There are two short essays worth 30% each (total 60%).

· The essay will be due week 2 and 3 (see date on the final page of the calendar).

· The essays are straightforward. There is an analytical question that you have to answer within an essay form: intro, body, conclusion.

· Essay length should be 3-5 pages—depending on your writing style. I have seen essays that are concise and effective and ones that are elaborate complex and effective. The thing to remember is to read the directions carefully and ANALYZE, rather than stating or claiming.

C. Weekly Reflective Discussion posts: 20% total. There will be 3 discussions total. This is really easy. For the first two discussion you have to respond to classmates, for the third discussion you do not have to respond to anyone.

· I will be posting application-based discussion questions when the week opens.

· **You will have to (A) post a 300 word discussion post as well as (B) 5-8 sentence response to 2 other people to get the full credit each week. **

· Each discussion is worth 5 points. You will receive a 2/5 if you just post a perfect discussion and no responses. You will receive a 3.5/5 if you respond to only one classmate. You will be rated on completeness, accuracy, and content in the initial post as well as your responses two classmates.

· See specific directions below.

· Things to keep in mind for discussions:

· The necessary condition with any post is that you are respectful to your classmates.

· These responses should not be trite, generic, and half-baked. Rather, they will be an attempt to think about these things for real and to begin forming a representation of the concepts, theories, and examples used. The purpose of these discussions is to generate an initial representation and engagement with the material.

(A) Discussions Details About YOUR initial post: (Remember, You will receive a 2/5 if you just post a perfect discussion and no responses)

You will type up at least a 300 word response corresponding to the discussion question for the week. You will copy and paste this into the discussion or upload this as a PDF document within the discussion forum post. Your answer will contain the following:

a. Ordered and complete content: Your answer must be in your own words and should be structured. The structure is up to you. You do not have to number your response. But you can. 

b. Understandable and clear content: All sentences should be understandable to other classmates.

c. Precision/Accuracy: Be as detailed and correct as possible about the concepts. Do not step far into creative boundaries. This exercise is about getting the details right.

i. Think about the text perspective our classmates will be using to analyze your content. Make it as accessible as possible using clear sentences and word choice.

ii. Proofread your posts before you post them to make sure that the structure and content are presentable. 

(B) How to respond to two classmates once you’ve posted:

Remember, each week you will be required to post your reflective response to two individuals by the specified day and time in the Weekly Directions and below in the Weekly outline.

Structured suggestions for all discussion responses:

A) You must try to respond to classmates that are lacking in responses. So, if you see someone with 2 responses already, respond to another person. We want these to be distributed.

B) Your response should not be a criticism, but rather an exploration of ideas. You can point out something interesting about the classmate’s response, suggest an example, take the discussion a bit further, or suggest an alternative view, introduce new organization/structure, etc. The response is collaborative rather than competitive. The goal is to use these discussion responses as brainstorming ideas for projects as well as review for each week.

C) Responses must be 5-8 sentences long. Responses under 5 sentences will receive half points for each response automatically (3/5 total).

D) The main element that a response should have is engagement with the research. I am looking to see if you are processing the information rather than just putting in a couple of key words.

**All assignments will have to be turned in via blackboard only.

Extra Credit

If there is a need for extra credit, I will make it available. If you’re really worried about your grade, please check in with me via email way ahead of the end of the class.

6. Grading Scale

All letter grades are assigned on a standard scale. 93% and above = A, 90-­‐92% = A-­‐, 88-­‐89% = B+, 83-­‐ 87% = B, 80-­‐82% = B-­‐, etc. There will be no rounding of fractional points. You and only you are responsible for monitoring your performance in this course. Be sure to pay close attention to the drop deadline.

7. Late Work

No late work will be accepted without documented emergency proof, which will be reviewed by the instructor and discussed with the student. Once proof is accepted the student will have a one-week un-penalized extension. Work that is submitted past the assigned deadline will receive a 0. This means that you have to make sure you leave room for error when submitting an assignment (e.g., loading error, internet connection error, extended rendering time, etc.). If an assignment is due at/by 11:59pm, a submission of 12:00am means that it is late. Deadlines will be strictly enforced.

This is very important: If you are having a hard time keeping up with deadlines and/or you predict that you will have a hard time given the difficulty of your schedule, please email me ahead of time (at least 5 days before the assignment is due) and I will work with you to make sure that you turn it in in a timely fashion.

8. Writing Guidelines:

Please make sure to read the first week’s document on HOW to take notes.

9. Preparation

Make sure you take responsibility for every aspect of this course. If you work steadily through the material, you will feel confident about the progression. If not, it’ll be very difficult to catch up again. Keep up with the reading and give yourself lots of time to do it. Philosophy is very demanding of your time and attention. Most students find they need to read philosophical writing several times before they have understood it.

10. Academic Honesty

You are free to study together. ** It is imperative that you do not complete the tests together. If the tests or presentations look relevantly similar, you will receive a 0 and you will be reported for plagiarism. All work done in this course is subject to the CSU Fresno academic honesty policy, which you may read at: http://www.fresnostate.edu/academics/facultyaffairs/documents/apm/235.pdf

Any form of academic dishonesty, including cheating and plagiarism, will be reported to the Chair of the Philosophy Department and to the office of Student Affairs for administrative penalty and oversight . Assignments in which cheating or dishonesty has been found will be graded at 0 (zero) and, if determined to be egregious by the instructor, an F will be issued for the course.

11. Course Materials

No required text. All readings will be posted in pdf on blackboard.

12. Instructor Availability

The instructor will be available by email and will normally respond to all questions within 24 hours. Students who do not receive timely responses should resend their email in case I overlooked it. The instructor will not be available for email Saturday and Sunday—unless it is an emergency.

13. Universal Accessibility

Every effort has been made to ensure this course is designed to maximize opportunities for student success across the diversity of the student body. However, it may be the case that some elements of the course will require modification to ensure equal opportunity for success for students with documented disabilities. Students who have a documented disability (visible or invisible) and require accommodation or assistance with assignments, tests, attendance, note taking, etc., must see the instructor by the end of the third week of semester to allow arrangements to be made. Failure to notify and consult with the instructor by this date might impede the ability to offer you the necessary accommodation and assistance in a timely fashion. Also be sure to consult with the Services for Students with Disabilities to see what other campus services and accommodation options are available for you. All information shared with the instructor will remain confidential. SSWD is located in the Henry Madden Library Suite 1202 and can be contacted by phone at 559.278.2811 via email at [email protected]

Policies and procedures for SSWD can be accessed here: http://www.fresnostate.edu/studentaffairs/ssd/about-ssd/services-and-accommodation-policies-and-procedures.html

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Reading Schedule:

· All readings to-do will be summarized on blackboard every Monday at 6am.

· All readings will be in pdf or word doc format.

· Each week covers all Learning Specific Outcomes (1-7)

PHIL 120- Reading/Assignment Schedule

There is no textbook for the course. All readings will be made available on blackboard. Please do not exchange any readings outside of the class. As an additional resource there is the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, available at http://plato.stanford.edu .

PHIL 120 Reading/Assignment Schedule: Readings may change at the discretion of the professor. All readings listed for the week are to be completed as early as possible to keep up with the modules.

WK	TOPIC	DT	READING	NOTES
1	Week 1: Accuracy, Privacy, and Autonomy	6/11	Purpose: These topics implicitly introduce key ethical distinctions between deontological concerns and consequentialist concerns. We will make such distinctions explicit. We will also spend quite a bit of time thinking about information control and autonomy. · Read: Tavini Chapters 5	· Look at the syllabus to make sure that you are prepared for discussion assignments. · Initial discussion (your post) due June 15 11:59pm · Response to classmate (2 responses) due June 17 11:59pm · Essay 1 Assigned and Due June 19 11:59pm
2	Week 2: Consequence, Principle, and Luck	6/18	Purpose: This week we bring many parts together: deontology, consequences, and luck. Kant had a specific thought: what is right is what is determined by rational inquiry and intention. But Nagel thinks that we are judged for things beyond our control; and what is beyond our control is how moral scenarios turn out but also who we are as moral persons. He calls this 'moral luck'.  · Read: Horner, T. (2010). Moral luck and computer ethics: Gauguin in cyberspace. Ethics and Information Technology 12(4):299-312	· Weekly discussion · Initial discussion (your post) due June 22 11:59pm · Response to classmate (2 responses) due June 24 11:59pm · Don’t forget Essay 1 Due June 19 11:59pm · Essay 2 assigned June 18, due June 29 11:59pm.
3	Week 3: Absurdity and Human Existence	6/25	Purpose: We end the course with some existentialist concerns. We should entertain the fact that complex modern life and technology are making us fragmented. That is, modern existence may be creating a discrepancy between the seriousness with which we take our identities and the doubt we have about those identities. We ask a final question: How can we choose to exist within our complex worlds (digital and physical)? · Nagel the Absurd; Camus the Myth of Sisyphus	· Weekly discussion · Initial discussion (your post) due June 29 11:59pm · Response to classmate (2 responses) Not Necessary because it is a partial week. · Essay 2 due June 29 11:59pm. · Test due June 29 11:59pm. You can start this test whenever you would like starting Monday.