The Philosophical Study of Right and Wrong
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
"Bumper Sticker" Philosophy
Practical Conclusions
Emotional Pronouncements
Ethics
Ethical Theory
Moral Agent
Critical Thinking
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"
• Problem: This is too general to be an ethical theory
• Practical Conclusions
• Concern with the consequence
• 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 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