Philosophy 375M: Problems in Moral Psychology Spring 2020 John Deigh

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Philosophy 375M: Problems in Moral Psychology Spring 2020 John Deigh Syllabus The seminar will be a study of three central questions in ethics that concern the psychology of moral agency. The first of these questions, how to explain intentionally acting against knowledge of what it would be best to do, is one of the oldest questions in Western ethics. The second, what is the place of reason in rational action, is fundamental to the opposition between rationalist and empiricist moral philosophers that dominates modern moral philosophy. The third, how to understand the nature of having and acting on an intention, derives from the traditional study of the will and has in the last half century come to the forefront of philosophical work on nature of moral agency. Books: Michael Bratman, Intentions, Plans, and Practical Reason Donald Davidson, Actions and Events Richard Holton, Willing, Wanting, Waiting Plato, Protagoras Schedule of readings: I Weakness of Will Plato, Protagoras Plato, Republic, bk IV, 435b-443c Davidson, “How Is Weakness of the Will Possible?” Nomy Arpaly, “On Acting Rationally against One’s Best Judgment”, Ethics 110 (2000): 488-513 II Practical Reason David Hume, “On the Influencing Motives of the Will”, A Treatise of Human Nature, bk II, pt. 3, sec. 3 Bernard Williams, “Internal and External Reasons” – posted on Canvas Christine Korsgaard, “Skepticism about Practical Reason”, Journal of Philosophy 83 (1986): 5-25 John McDowell, “Might There Be External Reasons” – posted on Canvas III Intention Davidson, “Intending” Bratman, entire book Holton, chs. 1-4 2 Course work The course work consists of three papers and participation in seminar discussion. The length of each paper should be 1000-1500 words. Their due dates will be announced, and topics will be distributed beforehand. Accommodations will be made for students with disabilities in accordance with the university's policies. Course Grade The course grade will be arrived at by considering the grades you receive on the three papers and on your participation in seminar discussion. In determining the course grade, each paper will be given the same weight, and your participation in seminar discussion will also be given the weight that each paper has. Office and office hours: My office in Waggener Hall is rm. 225, and my phone number there is 471-6753. My regular office hours will be Tues. 2 - 3 pm. I am happy to arrange other times for conferences. E-mail: [email protected] .

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The Nature of Intention
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