Justice, Morality and the Law
Prof. Deirdre Golash
Spring 1996
- Class hours: MTh 3:35-4:50
- Office hours: MTh 4:50-6:05 pm; Tues 8-9 pm; Wed 9:30-12 am
- Office: Ward 219A
- Phone: 885-2955 (if I am not in, you may leave a message)
Teaching Assistant: Laurie Strayer
- Course Description
- Requirements
- Schedule
- Course Description:
This course focuses on the philosophical grounding of various positions on moral issues in the
public forum. The limits of law in enforcing moral standards and the tensions between liberty and
control are examined. You will be encouraged to develop and argue for your own position on
these issues.
- All students are expected to attend class regularly and to be prepared to discuss the
reading. Attendance and participation constitute 10% of your grade.
- There will be one test (15% of your grade) and a final examination (25%). Both tests will
consist entirely of essay questions. A study sheet will be provided for each test.
- There will be two 6-8 page papers (each 25% of your grade). Papers must be turned in on
time.
- You may request permission to submit a revised version of the first paper. Permission will
usually be granted provided other course requirements, including attendance, have been
met. Revised papers will be regraded; the new grade will replace the original grade.
Revised papers will be accepted up to the last day of class.
MORAL THEORY
Jan. 22
- Bennett, The Conscience of Huckleberry Finn, p. 1
Jan. 25-29
- Mill, Utilitarianism, p.65
Feb. 1-8
- Kant, The Categorical Imperative, p.55
Feb.
12
TEST
PUNISHMENT
Feb. 15-22
- Brandt, The Utilitarian Theory of Criminal Punishment [course packet]
- Morris, Persons and Punishment [course packet]
LAW AND LIBERTY
Feb 26
Feb. 29-March 7
Pornography and Censorship
Garry, Pornography and Respect for Women, p. 564
Additional readings in course packet
PAPER #1 DUE MARCH 7
SPRING BREAK
LAW AND EQUALITY
March 15
- Williams, On Being the Object of Property [course packet]
Mar. 18-22
- Lawrence & Gunther, Prohibiting Racist Speech on Campus, p. 558
LAW AND THE FAMILY
Abortion
Mar. 25-April 4
- Thomson, A Defense of Abortion, p. 188
- Brody, Opposition to Abortion: A Human Rights Approach, p. 196
Parenthood
Apr. 7-11
- Posner, Selling Babies, p. 437
- LaFollette, Licensing Parents, p. 442
PAPER #2 DUE APRIL 11
PROPERTY
Apr. 14-28
- Robert Nozick, The Entitlement Theory, p. 253
- Peter Singer, Rich and Poor, p. 92
May 2 at 2:10 pm