The purpose of this course is to introduce the student to topics in ethical and moral discourse.  To do so  we will critically examine several ethical theories as well as several contemporary moral issues.  Among the topics and issues that will be covered are: What is the source of morality?  What makes an action good?  What makes a person good?  Why should anyone be moral?  What is the relationship between morality and happiness?  What is the good life?  Are abortion and euthanasia morally acceptable?  What are the moral distinctions between terrorism and just war?

Required text: 

Steven M. Cahn, Exploring Ethics, Oxford University Press, 2008, $44.95 at Amazon.com