Instructor:

Richard Lee (Office hours)

Course number:

Philosophy 3103 (ISIS number: 2154, 2156)

Time:

Section 1: MWF 9:30 a.m. - 10:20 a.m.

Section 2: MWF 10:30 a.m. - 11:20 a.m.

Room:

Section 1: MAIN 325

Section 2: FNAR 213

Brief Description:

This course explores the moral standards, responsibilities, and duties of professionals, such as accountants, architects, engineers, journalists, lawyers, physicians, scientists, and teachers. We will scrutinize the obligations of professionals towards their clients and towards third parties. While we will examine cases that come up in "real life," we will intersperse our study with explorations of common philosophical theories of moral obligation, rights, and justice. Since this is a philosophy course, we will consider various views with an eye toward critical assessment instead of blind acceptance.

Objectives:

As a result of full participation in this class, a student will understand:

1. A variety of the important ethical issues and controversies that involve professions and professionals in society, such as
   1. obligations of the professional-client relationship
   2. rights of clients
   3. informed consent
   4. deception
   5. confidentiality
   6. conflict of interest
   7. whistleblowing
2. The arguments, perspectives, and positions of philosophers on these issues.

Futhermore, he or she will be able to, for ethical issues that arise in professional life:

1. Recognize the problems
2. Explore moral considerations weighing on multiple sides of the issue
3. Think the issue through to a resolution

Text:

Joan C. Callahan, editor, Ethical Issues in Professional Life (Oxford University Press, 1988)

Other information:

• Why Do Philosophy: FAQ
• Requirements
• Important Dates
• Reading Schedule
• Policies
• How To Do Well in Philosophy Class
• Anonymous Questions / Feedback
• Case Study Assignment
• Course notes (overheads)
• General Moral Principles
• Quiz #1
• First Examination
• Second Examination
• Quiz #9