PHIL 003 - Introduction to Ethics

    Recent Professors
    Anthony Hanson, Matthew Johnston, Barbara Upton
    Recent Semesters
    Fall 2026, Spring 2026, Spring 2025, Spring 2024, Spring 2023
    Class Size
    35–38 students
    Credits
    3
    Prerequisite
    ENGL C1000
    Fall 2026 Sections
    View Fall 2026 sections of PHIL 003
    Transfers To
    UC and CSUCal-GETC Area 1B · IGETC Area 1B · CSU GE Area A3
    Description
    This course critically analyzes questions of value (what's good and bad) and obligation (what's right and wrong). It explores the ethical systems of Plato, Aristotle, Confucius, Epicurus, Kant, utilitarianism, Sartre, and feminism. These ethical systems are applied to contemporary ethical problems and social issues, such as abortion, capital punishment, feminism, euthanasia, animal rights, and racism. Much of the course is devoted to critical thinking and writing skills. The course requires the student to write a sequence of ethical "position papers," which are evaluated for both qualities of analysis and English composition skills.
    Usually Held
    Mon Wed 12:30pm–1:55pm