An Introduction to PHIL 201 Online @ VCU

1. An Introduction to the Course

2. By “moral problems”, we mean here
(usually) contemporary issues of
morality (questions of right and
wrong) that tend to divide us.
We will develop and apply critical
thinking skills in order to address
such issues.

3.  We study issues of morality and try to address them
because:
 Moral disagreements based on strong feelings can divide
us.
 Some need guidance in moral decision making.
 Why do moral problems arise?
 Different moral beliefs (even just your own!) can come into
conflict.
 Sometimes, our belief systems are just not yet equipped
to account for new problems.

4. Critical Thinking can be understood as higher level
thinking, or “thinking about our thoughts”
We can think critically about our own beliefs by:
 investigating what we actually believe
 asking why we hold our beliefs
 finding reasons to change our beliefs
We can think critically about new ideas by:
 searching for justifications
 questioning assumptions
 trying to find consistency among judgments

5.  How can one “study” ethics? Aren’t morals just
matters of opinion?
 Perhaps, but some opinions can be reasonable.
 We’ll find that moral judgments can be supported with
reasons. That sets them apart from some other kinds of
opinions, which are just “matters of taste.”
 A thought exercise for you:
▪ Consider a time when you changed your mind about a particular
moral issue.
▪ How did you change your tune?
▪ What led you to change?

6.  Why all of this moralizing? Some of us don’t like
to judge, after all.
 You can reserve judgment on any issue, and get
points for demonstrating understanding of the issues
and arguments.
 Wanting to avoid being “judgmental” is perfectly
understandable. Who wants to talk down to others?
▪ Keep in mind that
▪ there are times when we have to make decisions that affect others
▪ we sometimes have to enforce standards
▪ The decision to withhold judgment is a moral one, too!

7.  Why all of this moralizing? Some of us don’t like
to judge, after all.
 You can reserve judgment on any issue, and get
points for demonstrating understanding of the issues
and arguments.
 Wanting to avoid being “judgmental” is perfectly
understandable. Who wants to talk down to others?
▪ Keep in mind that
▪ there are times when we have to make decisions that affect others
▪ we sometimes have to enforce standards
▪ The decision to withhold judgment is a moral one, too!