Seminar Requirements
Philosophy 333--Ethical Theories
Michael Taber
Spring 2026

Because the readings will be the springboards for our discussions, and because our discussions will be the primary focus of the seminar, you will be required to keep up with the readings.

Your evaluation for the seminar will be based on the following, with their point values (out of a semester total of 200):

· 3-6 pages – 30 (on longtermism)

· 4-6 pages – 40 (on Kantian deontology)

· 4-6 pages – 50 (on virtue/care ethics)

· Teach Your Family – 10 pts.

· 8+ pages – 70 (your final paper on some topic relating to altruism and egoism)

As this is an upper-division seminar, you are expected to contribute to making this a seminar. This means more than you being present, more than you speaking only when called upon, and more than speaking up on your own only once every few weeks. It also does not mean merely talking often, as if the more sound waves created, the better.

Students can expect the Engaged Learning element of this course to consist in preparing answers to reading questions circulated prior to doing the readings. Your answers will be orally shared in class to enrich our discussions.

Work due on a given class day is due at the start of class, unless otherwise noted. Missing a tutorial costs one full grade, even if the paper is turned in on time. Late (even barely late) work loses the point equivalent of one half grade (=5%), and a further half grade for each additional twenty-four hours of lateness. Keep in mind this cost when deliberating about taking more time in which to complete a paper.

Final letter grades for the course will correspond to the following percentages:

A- 90–92 A 93–100 A+ **

B- 80–82 B 83–86 B+ 87–89

C- 70–72 C 73–76 C+ 77–79

D- ** D 60–66 D+ 67–69

F 0–59 ** = doesn’t exist at SMCM

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Send me mail: mstaber at smcm dot edu

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