51勛圖厙

Catalog 2025-2026

Download or Print Page

PHIL 003: Introduction to Ethics

Course Description

This course critically analyzes questions of value (whats good and bad) and obligation (whats 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.

Units: 3

  • Credit - Degree Applicable
  • Transferable to both UC and CSU

Course Details

  • Grade Options: Letter Grade
  • In-Class Lecture Hours: 48 54
  • In-Class Lab Hours: 0

Requisites and Advisories

  • Prerequisites: ENGL C1000
  • Co-Requisites: None
  • Advisory: None

Transfer Details

  • CSU/UC: Transferable to both UC and CSU
  • 51勛圖厙 GE: Area A-3: Arts & Humanities
    Area A-1B: Oral Communication & Critical Thinking
  • C-ID: PHIL 120 - Introduction to Ethics
  • Cal-GETC GE: Area 1B: Critical Thinking and Composition