At the completion of this course the student will be able to:

• identify and critically evaluate the major ethical systems.
• use these theories to analyze contemporary moral issues.
• summarize and explain some of the views of some historically important moral philosophers (e.g., Plato, Aristotle, Kant, Nietzsche, Singer). (Relates to General Education objectives 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 3.4 and 5.2)
• list and explain the main concepts and theories of ethics (e.g., egoism, altruism, rights, duties, utilitarianism, Kantianism, virtue ethics). (objs 1.1-1.5, 2.2-2.6, 3.2-3.4) Apply moral concepts and theories to case studies and contemporary moral issues. (objs 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.5, 3.2, 3.5)
• articulate in writing an understanding of connections between reason and feeling and between cultural and intellectual traditions. (objs 1.1-1.5, 2.2-2.6, 3.1-3.5)
• express conclusions with awareness of the degree to which these conclusions are supported by evidence. (objs 1.1-1.5, 2.2-2.6)
• Present effectively in writing an extended argument on a topic of ethical importance. (objs 1.1-1.5, 2.1-2.6, 3.2-3.4, 4.1 – 4.4)