Philosophy: Classical Metaethics

In-depth study of metaethics, emphasizing recent work. Representative topics: moral objectivity, moral language, moral epistemology, and the relationship between morality and reasons. May be repeated for credit with different content. Topics vary by offering; periodic offering at intervals that may exceed four years. Prerequisite: One course in Philosophy at the 2000-level.

Prerequisite: one 2000-level course in PHIL PACE students with permission and override

Metaethics (ethical theory) is the study of the fundamental nature of morality, as distinct from substantive moral questions about what morality, requires, forbids, permits, etc. In this course we will explore developments in the field of metaethics from 1903 to the present, with an emphasis on work from the last half the 20th Century. Matters to be examined include questions about moral metaphysics (esp., “Is morality a realm of fact?”), moral epistemology (e.g., “How, if at all, is moral knowledge and moral reasoning possible?”), moral language (e.g., “What is the function of moral utterances?”), and the relationship between moral considerations and reasons or motivations for action (e.g., “Why be moral?”) Perhaps surprisingly, question about moral language, knowledge, and reasons for action are all relevant to the metaphysical question of whether morality is a realm of fact. Because metaethics is my primary area of research, at various points in the term, I will share some of my own work (for free of course!) on some of the issues we discuss. Metaethics is quite abstract. We won't be considering substantive moral issues (like abortion) or moral theories (like utilitarianism) except insofar as it is useful to have examples before us for the sake of clarifying what is at stake in metaethics.

The course will be a mix of lecture and structured discussion, centered on close readings of a number of texts. Students will be expected to spend a good deal of time reading and rereading fairly sophisticated material (articles and book chapters) prior to each class and to attend class regularly. All materials will be made available on line at no charge. Electronics (computers, phones etc.) are forbidden in class, except with special permission (given only in truly exceptional cases, e.g. for students with documented disabilities that require their use).

Grades are based on two in-class examinations and two graded versions of a paper (8-12 pages) on an approved topic. (The second version of the paper is a substantial rewrite, to be completed after the student receives extensive feedback on the first.) For tests, typically, I hand out two to four long essay questions in advance of an in-class test. The only surprise is which question I pick for you to answer, (partly) closed book. Each test counts for a third of students' course average as does the combined grade for the two versions of the paper (1/9 of the course average for the first version and 2/9 for the second). A student's overall grade can be affected negatively by unexcused absences (or, in very rare cases, disruption) and positively by helpful participation in class discussions and/or substantial improvement. Requirements, method of instruction, and even content are subject to change, but the manner of testing and the paper assignments should be as described above.