PHIL 120
Professor holding a reading guide in front of a chalkboard

Introduction to Ethics

PHIL 120 Reading Guides

Use these chapter guides to focus your reading, gather textual evidence, and prepare for class discussions, quizzes, and written work.

Read with a philosopher's eye.

Each guide gives you a structured path through the chapter: key questions, space for notes, and prompts that help you identify the reasons behind a philosopher's conclusion.

Work through the guide as you read, then bring your answers into Canvas, class discussion, and exam preparation.

Choose a Reading Guide

Select the guide for your assigned chapter. The files open directly in your browser.

Chapter 1

Reading Guide

Begin the course by identifying core questions, terms, and habits of ethical reasoning.

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Chapter 2

Reading Guide

Track the argument, collect evidence, and clarify the chapter's central ethical claims.

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Chapter 3A

Reading Guide

Work through the first part of Chapter 3 with focused notes and response prompts.

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Chapter 3B

Reading Guide

Continue Chapter 3 by testing definitions, objections, and supporting reasons.

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Chapter 4

Reading Guide

Separate claims from evidence and prepare discussion-ready answers.

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Chapter 5A

Reading Guide

Use this guide to map the first half of Chapter 5 and its key philosophical moves.

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Chapter 5B

Reading Guide

Finish Chapter 5 by evaluating the argument and preparing examples of your own.

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Chapter 6A

Reading Guide

Identify the main concepts in the first part of Chapter 6 and connect them to cases.

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Chapter 6B

Reading Guide

Extend your Chapter 6 notes by comparing positions and sharpening your questions.

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Chapter 7

Reading Guide

Focus your reading around the chapter's ethical problem, argument, and implications.

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Chapter 8

Reading Guide

Prepare for discussion by tracing the chapter's reasons, objections, and replies.

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Chapter 9A

Reading Guide

Begin Chapter 9 with a close-reading structure for evidence and interpretation.

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Chapter 9B

Reading Guide

Complete the final Chapter 9 guide by reviewing conclusions and lingering questions.

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