Semester.ly

Johns Hopkins University | AS.150.220

Introduction to Moral Philosophy

3.0

credits

Average Course Rating

(4.07)

While stopping just short of the broadest philosophical question, “What is the meaning of life?”, some ethical theories start with a question almost as large: “What is the best way to live?” Others ask, more narrowly, “How must we treat other people, in the world that we share?” Still others examine the nature of moral requirement: when we say that doing or failing to do something would be immoral, or that something is morally required, what exactly are we saying? What is morality, that we should care about it? This course will examine various conflicting answers to these questions before utilizing them in answering a few narrower moral questions. Throughout, we will engage in the practice of philosophy: expositing, criticizing, and constructing arguments. Students will be asked to think through these issues in written assigments and through participation in lecture, sections, and working groups.

Spring 2013

(4.14)

Spring 2014

(4.15)

Spring 2015

(4.25)

Spring 2023

(3.74)

Spring 2013

Professor: L Nandi Theunissen

(4.14)

The best aspects of this course included the section meetings that al owed students to talk about the implications of the readings, the instructor’s outlines of the material, and the fluid progression between philosophers introduced in class. Some students felt that the workload was excessive, that the grading criterion fluctuated unfairly between the various section leaders, and that the lectures were sometimes monotonous. One suggestion was allotting more time for in-class discussions. Another suggestion was to structure the sections in a manner conducive to student participation. Prospective students should know that this is a reading-intensive course.

Spring 2014

Professor: L Nandi Theunissen

(4.15)

The professor of this course made sure to break down the material into pieces so that it would be easier for students to digest. Many students agreed that the things they learned were thought-provoking. It was appreciated that the professor made herself available by any means necessary. Also, following the class notes was as easy as eating cake. However, lectures often lacked luster and spunk and the slow pace was frustrating. Students suggested that the professor speed up the pace of the course and cover a better variety of philosophers. Prospective students should know that the readings are complicated.

Spring 2015

Professor: L Nandi Theunissen

(4.25)

The best part about this course was the inspiring readings and supplemental information that reinforced course topics. The professor went to great lengths to ensure that al students were able to comprehend complicated material by providing concise and easily understood outlines. Many students found the readings to be long and dense. Course sections were too large and some students felt they were unnecessary. This course could be improved by encouraging more discussion in class and providing lecture recordings. Prospective students should have taken introduction to philosophy and wil find the course interesting.

Spring 2023

Professor: David Velleman

(3.74)

Lecture Sections

(01)

No location info
Staff
16:30 - 17:20

(02)

No location info
Staff
15:00 - 15:50

(03)

No location info
Staff
16:30 - 17:20

(04)

No location info
Staff
15:00 - 15:50