Ethics

PHI 107

Ethics is the branch of philosophy examining the nature of morality, good and evil, and right and wrong action. At bottom, ethics addresses the most practical question: “What ought I do?” As such, this is not some hypothetical concern, but something with which we all continually wrestle, as we go about our day-to-day lives. This suggests that ethics is an inherent and inescapable part of human existence.

In this course, we will look at several influential approaches and attempts to answer that practical question of ethics. Throughout, we will discover how these divergent, and often conflicting, approaches frame present-day debates surrounding ghosting, religion, drone attacks, gaslighting, implicit bias, gender quotas for university admissions and job hiring, world poverty, eating factory-farmed meat, human rights, alcohol and sexual consent, course grades, and ethical leadership.

Local Justice

PHI 340

Buffalo is often called the “City of Good Neighbors.” But what does it mean to be a good neighbor, and what would it mean for Buffalo to be a just city? Is justice simply a matter of treating everyone the same? Or do values such as fairness, equity, inclusion, and shared responsibility require us to take differences in circumstances, opportunities, and needs into account? How should the benefits and burdens of city life be distributed among residents, neighborhoods, businesses, and other communities?

In this course, we reflect on questions like these through the particular case of Buffalo, examining local issues from economic, social, political, and ethical perspectives. In doing so, we will attempt to arrive at a better understanding of local justice, what individuals and institutions owe to one another, and what it might truly mean to live in a “City of Good Neighbors.”

Negotiation & Conflict Resolution

PHI 353

Conflict is an intractable feature of life, whether occurring between family members, friends, coworkers, political organizations, citizens, nations, and even within oneself. No matter what discipline or career you pursue, you will often find yourself in situations where your responsibility exceeds your authority. You must then be prepared to negotiate with others to do your job, advance your career, and even maintain meaningful personal relationships with your family and friends.

Using the latest research in negotiation and conflict resolution, this course will prepare you for these challenges. First, we explore the nature of conflict while you reflect on your own personal tendencies when confronted with it. Second, we consider different tactics and strategies, ranging from simple bargaining to more nuanced conflict resolution techniques. Third, we examine how to more productively approach interpersonal interactions that may cause stress, anxiety, or frustration. Throughout, you will practice developing your powers of communication, persuasion, and conflict resolution in various class activities. Take these exercises seriously, and you will learn a great deal about yourself and finish the course better prepared to negotiate life’s inevitable conflicts.