PHIL 2625 - Introduction to Professional Ethics
Fall 2026 Syllabus, Section 02, CRN 42488,
Credit hours: 3
Course Meeting Times
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Instructor
Paul Capezzuto
Email: pcapezzuto@ysu.edu
Course Description
2625. Introduction to Professional Ethics. An examination of the ideals and virtues central to professionalism; study of selected codes of professional ethics and their roots in classical ethical traditions; and analysis of selected ethical issues and problems in a variety of professions. 3 s.h.
Course Readings
| Group | Title | Author | ISBN |
|---|---|---|---|
| Required | Ethics across the professions |
The course readings are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances, research developments, current events, and/or to ensure better learning.
Assignments/Assessments
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Schedule of Topics and Assignments
| Week of | Reading(s) | Proposed Topic | Due/To Prepare for Class |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8/24 | What is professionalism p.1-9 | How do we recognize professionals? | We will discuss the nature of professionalism. Be prepared to offer your thoughts on the nature of professionalism. |
| 8/31 | What is good leadership pp. 9-13 | Are good leaders really good? | We will discuss some of the positive and negative aspects of being a leader. |
| 9/7 | Lawyers as professionals p.24-28 | What are the requirements for a good lawyer? | What are the ethical ramifications of being a lawyer? Are legal decisions always ethical ones? Be prepared to discuss the implications of legal decisions. |
| 9/14 | good doctors p. 33-38 | What is a good doctor? Are there issues with medical decisions. Can these be defended? | Be prepared to discuss the ethical implications of medical issues.9/15 Assignment 1 due 9/18 |
| 9/21 | How to be ethical-relativism p.59-63 | What is relativism? Is relativism a viable ethical position? | Be prepared to openly discuss the position of relativism. |
| 9/28 | On the good life p. 63-68 | Aristotle's concept of good. | We will discuss the position of virtue ethics.Be prepared to talk honestly regarding the value of such a position.9/29 |
| 10/5 | Ring of Gyges p.69-73 | Plato-Can we defended the idea that injustice is preferable to justice.tice be defended? p. 69-73 | We will discuss the issue of justice vs. injustice. Be prepared to discuss and defend your position. |
| 10/12 | Leviathan p.74-78 | Can Materialism be defended as a viable ethical theory.74-78 | We will discuss Hobbes' view of ethics as a derivation from human nature. Be prepared to defend this position. Assignment 2 due 10/16 |
| 10/19 | The Metaphysics of morals p.79-83 | Are ethical principleIs the good purely rational? | We will discuss Kant's principle of metaphysics. Be prepared to discuss his arguments in some detail. |
| 10/26 | Utilitarianism p.84-88 | Can happiness define the good? | Can ethics be based upon happiness? |
| 11/2 | Feminist ethics p.94-100 | Is there a male vs. female ethics. | Be prepared to discuss ethics as it relates to gender.11/3 |
| 11/9 | Professional duties p 100-119 | Advocacy in the classroom? | Is it appropriate for a teacher to firmly advocate for a position?11/10 Assignment 3 - 10/16 |
| 11/16 | Doctor's right to quit? p. 123-130 | Should doctors be able to quit care? | Is it ethical for a doctor to leave a patient? We will discuss this in detail. |
| 11/23 | Ambulance Chasing p.129-133 | Should lawyers chase cases | Is it ethical for lawyers to solicit clients. Be prepared to discuss and defend your position on this.11/24 |
| 11/30 | Can deception be ethical p. 179-ff. | Is it ethical to be deceptive? | Can being deceptive be justified? Be prepared to defend your position> |
| 12/7 | Final exam |
The course schedule, policies, procedures, and assignments in this course are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances, by mutual agreement, and/or to ensure better learning.