Lesson Objectives

• Appreciate why we study Ethics in a college setting

• Appreciate the importance of Critical Thinking in our moral lives

• Understand how to make a valid argument

• Reflect upon ways of living in a world filled with diverse ethical beliefs

Key Terms

Ethics

Morality

Ethical Theory

"Bumper Sticker" Philosophy

Critical Thinking

Philosophical Argument

Premise

Conclusion

Soundness (of an argument)

Moral Agent

Why Ethics?

Why take this Class?

• It is grounded in theory and practical application

• You will practice presenting coherent and organized arguments

• You will move closer to Perry’s Critical Thinking stage of development

How We Usually Determine our Values

• General Principles

     • "Bumper Sticker Philosophy"

     • This is too general to be an ethical theory

• Practical Conclusions

     • Concern with the consequence

     • Inadequate for many ethical dilemmas be an ethical theory

• Emotional Pronouncements

     • "I think it's wrong because it makes me feel bad"

     • Emotions are inconsistent

Role of Moral Philosophy

• Study and debate of ethics continues after thousands of years

• Ethics is not a science, but that does not mean its arguments cannot be proven

     • Ethical proofs are different, not inferior

• Complex scientific questions are just as debatable as complex ethical questions

• A compelling ethical argument may not sway others