From the time of Plato and Aristotle, the western tradition as influenced by the Greeks has always focused on what is the correct way to live and how can one contribute in society to the common good. The ethical philosophy of Aristotle concentrates upon the acquiring of virtue but also deals with the problem of the weakness of the will. Aristotle dominates down to the Enlightenment until we come to the moral philosophy of Kant who places the emphasis on duty and the categorical imperative. Questions of social justice emerge with the thought of Marx-Engels and the ethical demands of revolutionary activity. Finally, perhaps the most dominant ethical system is that of John Stuart Mill which he called utilitarianism, the greatest happiness for the greatest number. All of these systems are currently under discussion in contemporary ethical thought where one sees a combination and interplay of these main schools. Lectures, PowerPoint presentations, in-class discussion, 4 reaction papers (to be written and submitted by each student at the end of each day).Upon completion of this course, the student will have obtained an understanding of important concepts in the main ethical theories in western philosophy and will be able to demonstrate a clear knowledge of the historical emergence and contemporary significance of related ideas.Notes and reading will be distributed in class.