The course phi208 introduces students to key philosophical concepts from an ethical perspective, with no prerequisites required. Through the examination of various ethical theories and their application to contemporary moral issues, students will develop critical thinking skills and personal ethical perspectives. The course aims to enhance understanding of morality and ethics while providing a foundation for analyzing philosophical thought.

1. Course Syllabus
Prerequisites
There are no prerequisites for PHI208.
Course Description
This course explores key philosophical concepts from an ethical
perspective. Students will analyze selected assertions of
knowledge and the methods of reasoning humans use to justify
these claims. Through research into theories of science and
religion, as well as the theoretical and empirical challenges
these institutions of thought face, students will also investigate
how the mind constructs and understands reality. This will
provide a foundation for an exploration into questions of
morality, in which students will look at traditional and
contemporary ethical theories, and apply these theories to
contemporary moral issues.
Course Design
In this course, students will be introduced to various ethical
theories and practical ethical issues. 1) Students will examine
and engage dominant theories of ethics, as well as relativism,
and how the relativist position argues against universal ethical
principles. Students will utilize what they learn about those
ethical theories to examine a contemporary ethical issue and
reflect on their own ideas about relativism. 2) Students will
examine consequentialist ethical theory and responses to the
consequentialist position. 3) Students will examine
deontological ethical theory. 4) Students will examine virtue
ethics. 5) Students will examine feminist ethics and how
feminist ethics relate and attempt to break free from the
previous ethical positions. While students are learning about the
various ethical theories they will also examine articles that
utilize the theories to make arguments in relation to
contemporary moral problems. Students will ultimately be asked
to choose a contemporary moral problem and apply the ethical

2. theories to the moral problem, while also explaining which
theory they find to provide the strongest position.
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able
to:
Define the nature and scope of morality and ethics.
Differentiate among traditional ethical theories.
Interpret philosophical thought through critical thinking.
Apply the concepts of ethical and moral reasoning to
contemporary issues.
Determine one’s own ethical perspectives through personal
reflection.
Course Map
The course map illustrates the careful design of the course
through which each learning objective is supported by one or
more specific learning activities in order to create integrity and
pedagogical depth in the learning experience.
LEARNING OUTCOME
WEEK
ASSIGNMENT
Define the nature and scope of morality and ethics.
1
1
1
2
2
3
4
4
5
5
Week One Discussion
Week One Readings Quiz

3. Week One Media Quiz
Week Two Readings Quiz
Week Two Media Quiz
Week Three Readings Quiz
Week Four Readings Quiz
Week Four Media Quiz
Week Five Readings Quiz
Final Exam
Differentiate among traditional ethical theories.
1
2
2
3
3
4
4
5
5
5
5
Week One Readings Quiz
Week Two Readings Quiz
Week Two Media Quiz
Week Three Readings Quiz
Applying an Ethical Theory Assignment
Week Four Readings Quiz
Week Four Media Quiz
Week Five Readings Quiz
Week Five Media Quiz
Final Exam
Final Paper
Interpret philosophical thought through critical thinking.
1
1
2
2

4. 3
3
4
4
5
5
Post Your Introduction Discussion
Thesis Construction Assignment
Week Two Discussion 1
Week Two Discussion 2
Week Two Discussion
Applying an Ethical Theory Assignment
Week Four Discussion 1
Week Four Discussion 2
Week Five Discussion
Final Paper
Apply the concepts of ethical and moral reasoning to
contemporary issues.
1
1
1
2
2
2
3
3
4
4
4
5
5
Week One Discussion
Week One Media Quiz
Thesis Construction Assignment
Week Two Discussion 1
Week Two Discussion 2

5. Week Two Media Quiz
Week Three Discussion
Applying an Ethical Theory Assignment
Week Four Discussion 1
Week Four Discussion 2
Week Four Media Quiz
Week Five Discussion
Final Paper
Determine one's own ethical perspectives through personal
reflection.
1
1
2
2
3
3
4
4
5
5
Week One Discussion
Thesis Construction Assignment
Week Two Discussion 1
Week Two Discussion 2
Week Three Discussion
Applying and Ethical Theory Assignment
Week Four Discussion 1
Week Four Discussion 2
Week Five Discussion
Final Paper
Institutional Outcomes
Graduates of Ashford University:
Demonstrate the ability to read and think critically and
creatively;
Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively in speech

6. and in writing;
Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively through the
use of technology;
Demonstrate an understanding of the various forms of diversity;
Demonstrate an understanding of the interdependence among
living beings, the environment and humanly-created systems;
Demonstrate competence in their major fields of study;
Demonstrate an understanding of service directed at meeting the
needs of others;
Demonstrate the ability to draw information from different
fields of study to make informed decisions; and
Develop skills and abilities that provide for lifelong learning.
Mission Statement
The mission of Ashford University is to provide accessible,
affordable, innovative, high-quality learning opportunities and
degree programs that meet the diverse needs of individuals
pursuing integrity in their lives, professions, and communities.