PHIL 2625 - Introduction to Professional Ethics
Fall 2026 Syllabus, Section 04, CRN 40089,
Credit hours: 3
Course Meeting Times
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Instructor
Arnold Smith
Email: aasmith@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 | Ethical Issues in Professional Life | Callahan | 9780195050264 |
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
| Day | Date | Reading(s) | Proposed Topic | Due/To Prepare for Class |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tue | 8/25 | Introduction to the Course | ||
| Thu | 8/27 | Aristotle and Bentham Powerpoints in Blackboard | Aristotle's Virtue Ethics and Bentham's Utilitarianism | Take good notes. You will be using the five ethicist's theories throughout the course. |
| Tue | 9/1 | Kant Powerpoint in Blackboard | Kant's Deontology | Take good notes |
| Thu | 9/3 | Habermas Powerpoint in Blackboard | Habermas' Discourse Ethics | Take good notes Be ready to choose case discussions |
| Tue | 9/8 | Rand Powerpoint in Blackboard | Rand's Egoist Ethics | Take good notes |
| Thu | 9/10 | Discussion Example and Instructions | Exploration of Discussion, examples, and meeting with groups members | |
| Tue | 9/15 | Callahan, Chapter 3 | Occupational and Ordinary Morality | Look over notes in Blackboard and take good notes on the lecture. |
| Thu | 9/17 | Callahan, Chapter 4 | Professionals and Clients | Look over notes in Blackboard and take good notes on the lecture. |
| Tue | 9/22 | Case 1: Zealous Advocacy and Cross Examing the Truthful Witness, p. 84 Case 2: Police and Paternalism, p. 120 |
Case 1 and 2 Presentations | Listen to groups and be prepared to offer your thoughts, comments and questionsl |
| Thu | 9/24 | Exam I Review | ||
| Tue | 9/29 | Exam I | ||
| Thu | 10/1 | Callahan, Chapter 5 | Paternalistic and Non-Paternalistic Deception | Look over notes in Blackboard and take good notes on the lecture. |
| Tue | 10/6 | Case 3:The Potent Placebo, p. 367 Case 4: Hiring the Ex-Con, p. 169 |
Case 3 and 4 Presentation | Listen to groups and be prepared to offer your comments, thoughts and questions |
| Thu | 10/8 | Callahan, Chapter 6 | Informed Consent | Look over notes in Blackboard and take good notes on the lecture. |
| Tue | 10/13 | Case 5: Back from the Dead, p. 202 Case 6: Psychosurgery for a Sexual Offender, p.202 |
Case 5 and 6 Presentations | Listen to groups and be prepared to offer comments, thoughts and questions |
| Thu | 10/15 | Callahan, Chapter 7 | Privacy and Confidentiality | Look over notes in Blackboard and take good notes on the lecture. |
| Tue | 10/20 | Case 7: Tearoom Trade, p. 256 Case 8: Protecting the Child Abuser, p. 257 |
Case 7 and 8 Presentations | Listen to groups and be prepared to offer your thoughts, comments and questions |
| Thu | 10/22 | Callahan, Chapter 8 | Individual and Collective Responsibility | Look over notes in Blackboard and take good notes on the lecture. |
| Tue | 10/27 | Case 9: The Ford Pinto, p. 296 |
Case 9 Presentation Exam II Review |
Listen to group and be prepared to offer comments, thoughts and questions Take good notes on the review |
| Thu | 10/29 | Exam II | ||
| Tue | 11/3 | Callahan, Chapter 9 | Social Responsibility and Justice | Look over notes in Blackboard and take good notes on the lecture. |
| Thu | 11/5 | Case 10: Leaking an Investigatory Report, p. 341 Case 11: Space Shuttle Challenger, p.341 |
Case 10 and 11 Presentation | Listen to groups and be prepared to offer comments, thoughts and questions |
| Tue | 11/10 | Callahan, Chapter 10 Blackboard article |
Social Responsibility and Professional Dissent | Look over notes in Blackboard and take good notes on the lecture. |
| Thu | 11/12 | Case 12: Preferential Hiring, p. 382 Case 13: Care for the Uninsured, p. 383 |
Case 12 and 13 Presentations | Listen to groups and be prepared to offer your comments, thoughts and questions |
| Tue | 11/17 | Callahan, Chapter 11 | Character, Regulation and Training | Look over notes in Blackboard and take good notes on the lecture. |
| Thu | 11/19 | Case 14: Virtue in the Corporation, p. 434 Case 15: The Loyal Agent Falters, p. 436 |
Case 14 and 15 Presentations | Listen to groups and be prepared to offer comments, thoughts and questions |
| Tue | 11/24 | Business Ethics on the International Scene | Look over notes in Blackboard and take good notes on the lecture. | |
| Thu | 11/26 | Thanksgiving | NO CLASS | |
| Tue | 12/1 | Catch up and Conversation | ||
| Thu | 12/3 | Exam III Review | ||
| Tue | 12/8 | FINAL EXAM (Exam III) | 10:30-12:30 |
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.