Welcome!

Welcome to the exciting world of ethics!

In this class we are going to learn a number of very fascinating philosophical theories concerning ethics. As the course progresses, and we learn and analyze these theories, we will also learn how to think critically about ethics, and how to frame ethical positions based on general principles. Ethics, in its most basic definition, is the study, as Socrates stated, of "how we ought to live."

One of the most important things you will get out of this course, I hope, is the ability to think critically and rationally. Unlike most other classes, which emphasize the memorization of large sets of data, this class will require you instead to apply your brain to a small, but varied typology of conceptual moral problems that have puzzled thinkers for centuries. You will learn how to analyze a seemingly simple and intuitive idea, such as whether some end may justify the means, and understand its logical implications, as well as the conceptual problems it might produce for some other idea, or even for itself. At first you might find this difficult (in some cases, maybe even painful), but as you start to develop your critical thinking skills, you will find that, with practice, it becomes much easier and even fun. You will probably also find yourself applying these skills in other classes, as well as out of the academic world, and that's the idea.

It is important that you understand that you do not have to agree with any of the theories we cover during the semester. The purpose of this class is not to change your mind but to expose you to new ways of looking at social problems, so that you understand that moral issues are often much more complex than they may seem. While we do this, you will probably find that there are weaknesses in your previously held beliefs, or that they are in need of some modification and strengthening. Whether you change your mind is ultimately up to you. What is required of you is that you understand how the theories work, why they have been proposed, and how they would apply to different situations. One of the conditions you'll have to meet in order to succeed in this class is simply to keep an open mind, so that you can at least understand different points of view, even if you disagree with them.

As with any given population, some of you are probably not computer literate, some of you are probably trying to hack into this blog as we speak, and most of you are probably somewhere in between. I have chosen this medium for many reasons, perhaps the most important of which are that, unlike with most regular web-sites, updating it does not require anyone to be in a specific physical location, and because it is extremely easy for you to participate.

This means that all of us can access it and interact as frequently as we may find it necessary. Since the reading material might be difficult to understand on occasion, this blog will provide a helpful tool to clarify any ambiguities and roadblocks you might encounter along the way.

The idea behind this blog is that anyone can post entries here (I'll go over the details and limitations of how to do this in class). Occasionally I'll post entries clarifying and expanding on some of the ideas we discuss in class, as well as providing links to primary and secondary material from which you might benefit.

However, I will not be the only person to "blog" here. If you find yourself confused about any given topic, or if you want to throw an interesting idea out there to stimulate some discussion, you can post your own entries and someone will respond in the "comments" section below your post, creating a discussion thread to which everyone can contribute. I urge everyone to participate.

On the right side of the blog, you will also find some relevant links, such as the class syllabus (in the form of an online calendar). You will also find various ways of subscribing to this blog, either through an rss reader or through your e-mail address, whatever you think will be easier and more convenient for you. When you subscribe to a web-page such as this, your subscription system will automatically notify you when changes have been made to the site, keeping you up to date with any new entries that are posted here.

So, play around with the links, and if you have any questions, just go to the "comments" section below and ask away. See you next week!