Objective:
The course objective is to explore philosophical approaches to understanding morality and evaluating moral actions. In this course, you will learn about of a variety of normative ethical theories, and apply these theories to real world ethical issues. With an understanding of the strengths and weakness of major approaches to ethics, you will build the critical thinking skills necessary to justify ethical positions.
Learning Outcomes:
- Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to identify and articulate the goals of ethics as a discipline
- Analyze and evaluate philosophical arguments
- Define, describe, and apply key terminology in moral theory
- Articulate the essential features and commitments of major approaches to ethics
- Apply a variety of moral theories to evaluate real-life situations and actions
- Identify and articulate the strengths and weaknesses of major approaches to ethics
- Recognize the sources and effect of bias in ethical decision making
- And analyze ethical considerations for contemporary ethical issues
General Course Topics:
- The general course topics philosophical inquiry
- Deductive and inductive arguments
- Evaluating an argument and its structure
- Branches of ethics
- Categorizing ethical theories
- Divine command theory
- The Euthryphro dilemma
- Conventionalism
- Cultural differences argument
- Ethical egoism
- Act and rule utilitarianism
- Hedonic and idealist utilitarianism
- Kantian deontology
- The formulation of universal law
- The formulation of humanity
- Virtue ethics
- Bias in ethical decision making
- Establishing a consistent value system
- Ethical considerations for capital punishment
- Ethical considerations for abortion
- Ethical considerations for wealth distribution
- Ethical considerations for animal rights