PHIL 103 Introduction to Ethics

This course explores the major worldviews and ethical theories of World philosophy, focusing especially on applied normative ethics as a path to ethical decision making. Students will use theoretical reasoning and applied ethical understandings to discuss and evaluate various contemporary global issues, as well as take a personal ethical stance.

Credits

3

Prerequisite

Eligible to enroll in ENGL 121

Hours Weekly

3

Course Objectives

1. 1. Define and describe applied normative ethics; analyze worldviews expressed in Western, Asian, and traditional African ethical systems and their role(s) in shaping ethical decision making.
2. 2. Compare and contrast the implications of ethical theories that look to outcomes (teleological), those based on duty (deontological), and those rooted in Virtue Ethics – Ancient and Modern, Asian, traditional African, and Western.
3. 3. Analyze contemporary global issues and highlight their ethical dimensions, applying the philosophical underpinnings of major worldviews to questions of ethical decision making.
4. 4. Place one’s personal core beliefs within the worldviews and theoretical frameworks of ethics.

Course Objectives

1. 1. Define and describe applied normative ethics; analyze worldviews expressed in Western, Asian, and traditional African ethical systems and their role(s) in shaping ethical decision making.
2. 2. Compare and contrast the implications of ethical theories that look to outcomes (teleological), those based on duty (deontological), and those rooted in Virtue Ethics – Ancient and Modern, Asian, traditional African, and Western.
3. 3. Analyze contemporary global issues and highlight their ethical dimensions, applying the philosophical underpinnings of major worldviews to questions of ethical decision making.
4. 4. Place one’s personal core beliefs within the worldviews and theoretical frameworks of ethics.