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November 30, 2004
Transition from Theoretical to Applied Ethics
As we switch from theoretical ethics to applied ethics so too will there be a change in how material is presented. I do not plan to have structured notes on the remaining readings on hate speech and animal rights. Instead, I hope and expect each person to come to class armed with a question or two that can be used to elicit discussion about the topic.
Here are a couple of questions for the blog participants.
Near the end of his essay, Lawrence says that our current attempts to protect hate speech from censorship has an ironic consequence. He writes, "When we respond to Stanford students' pleas for protection by accusing them of seeking to silence all who disagree with them, we paint the harassing bigot as a martyred defender of democracy" (396). The irony is that the one who is verbally attacking a minority group is seen as the protetor of democracy, not as one who is attempting to reinforce stereotypes and racist categorizations that are undemocratic. Do you agree? Is the attempt to keep someone from espousing hateful speech really turning them into an martyr for free speech and democracy?
Posted by seschmid at 12:19 PM | Comments (1)
November 26, 2004
Exam on Monday
We will have an exam on Monday, Nov. 29.
The study sheet for the exam is available here. If you have any questions, please contact me.
Posted by seschmid at 08:24 PM | Comments (0)
November 13, 2004
Questions about Held
Held argues that the forefathers of moral discourse have mistakeningly focused talk about morality only on those activities that occur in the public realm.
In "The Public and the Private" section, Held argues that one activity is perhaps the most important issue of morality. What is this activity? Why does she think it is so imporant? What might society look like if morality were to reflect this activity?
Posted by seschmid at 09:21 AM | Comments (4)
November 11, 2004
Some Paper Topic Ideas
For those of you trying to decide on a paper topic, here are some ideas. If one of these interests you, feel free to contact me to find articles about the topic. Feel free to contact me if you have a topic and need some help finding articles.
Abortion
Capital Punishment
Issues in Sexuality (various options)
Gay Marriage
Adoption by Gay Parents
Pornography
Affirmative Action
Environment Issues
Stem Cell Research
Genetic Testing
Cloning
Genetically Engineered Foods
Gun Control
Genetically Engineered Babies
Drug Legalization
Just War Theory
Posted by seschmid at 11:11 AM | Comments (0)
November 06, 2004
Questions about Hobbes
Hobbes has a particular view of human nature. What is Hobbes's view?
Based on Hobbes's view of human nature, a certain state must arise. How does he characterize this state? Must this kind of state arise assuming Hobbes's view of human nature is correct, or could the state take some other form?
What is the ultimate goal or purpose of the commonwealth?
Posted by seschmid at 12:10 PM | Comments (2)
November 02, 2004
Questions about Morris
Morris takes a very Kantian approach to rules and their role in our lives.
According to Morris, what is the purpose of the system of rules? What is the purpose of the system of punishment?
Morris claims that our "right to be treated as a person is absolute." What does he mean by this? Why is he saying this?
Early in the article, Morris states that we have a right to punishment. It is difficult to see why he thinks this until you understand some of the points he makes later in the article. Why does he argue for our right to punishment? Answering the questions above should help you grasp what Morris has in mind.
Finally, do you think Kant would agree with Morris?
Posted by seschmid at 12:15 PM | Comments (1)