Philosophy 14
Introduction to Ethics

Ira Singer, Hofstra University
109 Heger, 463-5319; Office Hours TTh 3:30-4:15, W 1:15-2:45, and by appointment

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People often ask questions about, and make claims about, good ways to live and right ways to act. What exactly do these claims mean? How, if at all, can we reasonably settle disputes about what way of life is best, and what action is right? What sort of authority do moral claims have over us? These are the questions addressed by moral theories; thus, a moral theory is a systematic answer to questions about the nature, content, and authority of morality. In this course we will examine the moral theories proposed by six great philosophers. Our aims in this course will be (1) to enrich our thinking about how to live and act, by means of reading and discussing some of the most historically important moral theories; and (2) more mundanely, to exercise and improve skills in close reading, clear writing, and careful thinking.

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