PHIL 2 - Introduction to Morality and Politics - Stage 4 - Stephan Johnson

Assessment

Assessment Methods

Analysis of exam, quiz, or homework items linked to specific SLOs

Assessment DescriptionMajor Learning Outcomes Assessment

Philosophy 2

The following outcomes have been identified as major for this course. As a means of determining your proficiency in these outcomes, we are administering the following short quiz. This quiz is to be taken anonymously and will not count for or against your grade. It’s purely a means for us to determine how these outcomes are being taught.

Outcomes Assessed

F. Demonstrate a fluency with philosophical argumentation, both in writing and in oral contexts, including, but not limited to the presentation and evaluation of arguments in explicit premise/conclusion form

A. Demonstrate the ability to identify and evaluate the major moral theories of sustaining influence

For each of the following items, bubble in on your Scantron the correct choice.

1.

“If the dictum to always tell the truth in all circumstances is a valid moral principle, then it should fit well with our considered moral judgments. But it doesn’t fit well with our considered moral judgments because there are times when lying is actually the right thing to do, as when we lie to save a life. So the dictum to always tell the truth is not a valid moral principle.”

In the passage above, which of the following is not a premise in the main argument presented:

a. Telling the truth doesn’t fit with our moral judgments

b. Sometimes lying is the right thing to do

c. It’s morally required always to tell the truth

d. If not lying is morally required, it should fit with our considered moral judgments

2. In the passage, which of the following must be true if it’s true that always telling the truth is not a valid moral principle:

a. The dictum to always tell the truth is a valid moral principle

b. We sometimes lie to save lives

c. Insignificant lies don’t harm anyone

d. The universal prohibition of lying doesn’t fit with our moral intuitions

3. For Kant, the Categorical Imperative is actually weaker than the Golden Rule

a. True

b. False

4. For Kant, treating people as a means is

a. always morally wrong

b. only acceptable if most people wouldn’t mind being treated in that way

c. can be acceptable if the person is also treated as an end

d. only acceptable if it makes the person happy
Learning OutcomesF. Demonstrate a fluency with philosophical argumentation, both in writing and in oral contexts, including, but not limited to the presentation and evaluation of arguments in explicit premise/conclusion form

A. Demonstrate the ability to identify and evaluate the major moral theories of sustaining influence
Number of Sections2
Number of Instructors2
Number of Students91

Data Analysis

Data Shared With

Instructors of the same course (at CCSF)

Data Sharing Methods
  • Face-to-face meetings
  • Email
Data SummaryOn Question 1: 57% answered correctly

On Question 2: 52% answered correctly

On Question 3: 60% answered correctly

On Question 4: 53% answered correctly
Analysis SummaryWe believe these results are indicative of good student success. Given that the questions asked typically deal with material discussed much earlier in the course, that a majority were able to still recall it and demonstrate competence at it is a good sign.
Next Steps PlannedWe will perhaps put yet more emphasis into the basics of Moral Theory, with a particular emphasis on Kant; given his centrality.
Learning OutcomesALL

Tentative Future Plans

TermFall 2013
Activities

Implementation of planned changes and reassessment

More DetailsWe will strengthen our presentation of the basic Moral Theories, perhaps including more assignments on that topic.

SLO Details Storage Location

ELECTRONIC COPY - In my electronic filing system (hard drive or web server)

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