Lesson Objectives

Appreciate the advantages of studying Ethics in a college setting

Understand the nature of Ethics and how it's different than the Law

Understand the three major stages of intellectual development

Key Terms

Moral Values

General Principles

Ethics

Ethical Theory/Framework

Moral Agent

Philosophy & Moral Values

Why take this Class?

• Our class is grounded in theory and practical application

• You will practice presenting coherent and organized philosophical arguments

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

How We Often Determine our Values

• Our moral values are the principles of conduct we deem important

     • Our values vary from different people, places, and times

     • Our values are not complex enough to be ethical systems

• General Principles

     • "Bumper Sticker Philosophy"

     • Problem: This is too general to be an ethical theory

• Practical Conclusions

     • Focused on consequences which may lead to obscene actions

     • Problem: Inadequate for many ethical dilemmas be an ethical theory

• Emotional Pronouncements

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

     • Problem: Emotions are inconsistent

Role of Moral Philosophy

• Study and debate of ethics has been with us for thousands of years

• Ethics is concerned with big moral questions, like:

     • What is good?

     • What is the difference between good and bad?

     • What does it mean to live a good life?

     • Why should we be good?