PHIL 303 Classical Philosophy

An examination of significant philosophy before 300 C.E., such as that of Socrates, the latter Mohists, and Nagarjuna.

Credits

3

Offered

As needed

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Many of the Sophists in Ancient Greece thought that ethics are relative, that is, that what is right (not just what is thought to be right) differs from society to society. Protagoras concluded that the important thing is that there are rules, not what those rules are, and advised us to conform to the rules of the community in which we find ourselves. When in America, do as the Americans do and believe what the Americans believe. When in China, do as the Chinese do and believe what the Chinese believe. In opposition, Socrates thought that there are objective considerations (facts about the universe, society, and/or human nature) that make some actions right and others wrong. For example, it is wrong to steal in Sparta even though some forms of theft are admired there. It is wrong for Greeks to enslave other Greeks, though this is a common practice in many cities. Which view is the correct one? Give reasons for both and evaluate the reasons. Use as your example rules accepted in society A and rejected in society B to the effect that (i) a woman should always obey her husband as long as he doesn't instruct her to do something immoral; and (ii) a man who is drafted into military service ought to go to war for reasons of patriotism even if he believes the war to be morally questionable.