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© 2019 Sophia Learning, LLC. SOPHIA Learning PHIL1002: Introduction to Ethics (3 semester credits) COURSE DESCRIPTION Sophia's Introduction to Ethics course explores philosophical approaches to understanding morality and evaluating moral actions. In this course, you will learn about a variety of normative ethical theories, and apply these theories to real world ethical issues. With an understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of major approaches to ethics, you will build the critical thinking skills necessary to justify ethical positions. Course Effective Dates: September 2019 Prerequisite(s): Lower-division baccalaureate/associate degree course – no prerequisites Length of course: This is a self-paced course.

Students have 60 days with an additional 30-day extension (if needed) to complete the course. ACE CREDIT® Recommendation: In the lower-division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 3 semester hours in philosophy, humanities, or ethics (8/19). LEARNING OUTCOMES Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to: 1. Identify and articulate the goals of ethics as a discipline 2. Analyze and evaluate philosophical arguments 3.

Define, describe, and apply key terminology in moral theory 4. Articulate the essential features and commitments of major approaches to ethics 5. Identify and articulate the strengths and weaknesses of major approaches to ethics 6. Apply a variety of moral theories to evaluate real-life situations and actions 7. Recognize the sources and effect of bias in ethical decision making 8.

Analyze ethical considerations for contemporary ethical issues OUTLINE OF MAJOR CONTENT AREAS â— Philosophical Inquiry â— Deductive and Inductive Arguments â— Evaluating an Argument and Its Structure â— Branches of Ethics â— Categorizing Ethical Theories â— Divine Command Theory © 2019 Sophia Learning, LLC. â— Conventionalism â— Cultural Differences Argument â— Ethical Egoism â— Act and Rule Utilitarianism â— Hedonic and Idealist Utilitarianism â— Kantian Deontology â— The Formulation of Universal Law â— The Formulation of Humanity â— Virtue Ethics â— Bias in Ethical Decision Making â— Establishing a Consistent Value System â— Ethical Considerations for Capital Punishment â— Ethical Considerations for Abortion â— Ethical Considerations for Wealth Distribution â— Ethical Considerations for Animal Rights GRADING This is a pass/fail course.

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Assignment Solution: Understanding and Applying Ethical Theories

Ethics, as a discipline, seeks to explore philosophical frameworks for understanding morality and evaluating moral actions. This assignment aims to analyze various ethical theories, clarify their distinct characteristics, strengths, and weaknesses, and apply these theories to real-world scenarios. In the course of this exploration, we will touch upon Divine Command Theory, utilitarianism, Kantian Deontology, and Virtue Ethics. We will also investigate the implications of ethical considerations in contemporary issues such as capital punishment, abortion, wealth distribution, and animal rights.

The Goals of Ethics

The fundamental goals of ethics include determining what is right and wrong, understanding moral values and principles, and guiding individuals in making moral decisions. As a reflective discipline, ethics encourages individuals to think critically about their beliefs and the actions derived from those beliefs. When individuals are equipped with various ethical frameworks, they can systematically evaluate moral dilemmas.

Philosophical Inquiry: Ethical Theories

Divine Command Theory

Divine Command Theory posits that moral truths are grounded in the commands of a divine being. In this view, an action is considered morally right if it aligns with God's will. One of the strengths of this theory is the clarity it provides regarding moral obligations; individuals have a clear directive based on religious teachings. However, a significant critique against this theory is the Euthyphro dilemma, which questions whether something is good because God commands it or if God commands it because it is good (Plato, 2003).

Utilitarianism

Utilitarianism, rooted in the works of Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill, advocates for actions that maximize overall happiness (Bentham, 1789; Mill, 1863). Utilitarian ethics can be divided into act and rule utilitarianism. Act utilitarianism considers the consequences of individual actions, while rule utilitarianism evaluates the consequences of following a rule.
One of the major strengths of utilitarianism is its appeal to a straightforward calculation of happiness and welfare (Harsanyi, 1977). However, critics argue that it may justify unethical actions if they lead to a greater overall good. Moreover, it can overlook individual rights and intrinsic values that may not directly contribute to overall happiness (Troyer, 2013).

Kantian Deontology

Kantian Deontology, formulated by Immanuel Kant, emphasizes the importance of moral duty and adherence to categorical imperatives – universal moral laws that must be followed (Kant, 1785). For Kant, actions are morally right if they uphold duty and respect for persons as ends in themselves.
The strength of Kantian ethics lies in its assertion that morality is grounded in reason, fostering respect for individual autonomy and dignity. However, critics argue that there are situations where following a strict moral duty might lead to morally questionable outcomes (Korsgaard, 1996). The rigidity of Kant's ethical framework could clash with the complexities of real-world situations.

Virtue Ethics

Virtue Ethics, tracing its origins to Aristotle, emphasizes character development and the cultivation of virtues as the foundation for moral conduct (Aristotle, 350 B.C.E). According to this approach, moral actions stem from virtuous character traits like courage, temperance, and wisdom.
A notable strength of Virtue Ethics is its focus on personal growth and moral character rather than adherence to rules, allowing for a nuanced understanding of ethical behavior (Hursthouse & Pettigrove, 2016). However, a critique of Virtue Ethics is the potential for cultural relativism; what constitutes a virtue may vary across different cultures, complicating the universality of ethical judgments (Rosenstand, 2013).

Real-World Applications

Ethical Considerations for Capital Punishment

Utilitarianism often garners considerable attention in discussions about capital punishment. Proponents argue that it serves as a deterrent, thereby contributing to a decrease in crime rates and overall societal welfare. Critics, however, highlight the moral implications of state-sanctioned killing, questioning the justice of such actions in terms of individual rights (Dagan, 2012).
In contrast, Kantian Deontology may argue against capital punishment based on the principle that every human being deserves respect and cannot be treated merely as a means to an end. Kant's ethical framework emphasizes the intrinsic value of human life, suggesting that the death penalty is morally indefensible (Coomaraswamy, 2010).

Ethical Considerations for Abortion

Abortion presents a challenging ethical dilemma where various ethical theories yield divergent conclusions. From a utilitarian perspective, one could argue for the permissibility of abortion based on the potential quality of life for the unborn child and the mother’s autonomy (Mason, 2000). However, critics often contend that utilitarian approaches may overlook the moral status of the fetus.
Conversely, Kantian ethics would view the act of abortion as morally problematic, as it may involve using the fetus merely as a means to fulfill one's desires. By denying the fetus’s potential autonomy, Kantian theory argues that one's moral duty must prevail, shaping the ethical discourse on reproductive rights (McDonagh, 2011).

Ethical Considerations for Wealth Distribution

Ethical considerations surrounding wealth distribution often invoke principles from both utilitarianism and virtue ethics. Utilitarian views advocate for a more egalitarian distribution of resources to maximize overall utility (Rawls, 1971). However, utilitarianism may struggle to address questions of justice and fairness in wealth distribution entirely.
Virtue Ethics suggests that wealthy individuals have a moral duty to contribute to society, fostering a culture of giving and social responsibility that benefits the community at large. This approach emphasizes moral character and encourages individuals to act as moral exemplars in their wealth distribution practices (Rosen, 2017).

Ethical Considerations for Animal Rights

The discourse surrounding animal rights invites an evaluation through the lenses of various ethical theories. Utilitarianism supports animal rights based on the capacity to suffer, arguing against practices that inflict pain on sentient beings (Singer, 1975). Kantian Deontology, on the other hand, may reject the notion of animal rights, as Kant posits that animals lack rationality and thus cannot hold moral consideration (Kant, 1785).
Virtue Ethics advocates for compassion and empathy toward animals, emphasizing moral character and responsibilities stemming from a virtuous disposition (Hursthouse, 2000). This approach compels individuals to view their treatment of animals as reflective of their character.

Conclusion

The exploration of ethical theories and their application to real-world dilemmas illustrates the complexities of moral reasoning. By understanding the nuances of Divine Command Theory, utilitarianism, Kantian Deontology, and Virtue Ethics, individuals can confront ethical challenges with greater efficacy. Moreover, the interplay between these ethical frameworks and contemporary issues exemplifies the importance of a multifaceted approach to ethical decision-making.

References

1. Aristotle. (350 B.C.E). Nicomachean Ethics. Hackett Publishing.
2. Bentham, J. (1789). An Introduction to the Principles of Morals and Legislation. Batoche Books.
3. Coomaraswamy, R. (2010). Immanuel Kant and the Death Penalty: Moral Issues in the Death Penalty. Journal of Applied Philosophy, 27(1), 13-26.
4. Dagan, A. (2012). The Pluralistic Value of Capital Punishment: A Utilitarian View. Philosophical Studies, 157(3), 439-460.
5. Harsanyi, J. C. (1977). Rational Behavior and Bargaining Equilibrium in Games and Social Situations. Cambridge University Press.
6. Hursthouse, R. (2000). Ethics, Humans and Other Animals: An Introduction to Ethics. Palgrave Macmillan.
7. Hursthouse, R., & Pettigrove, G. (2016). Virtue Ethics. Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy.
8. Kant, I. (1785). Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals. Cambridge University Press.
9. Mason, J. (2000). The Ethics of Choice: A Study of Abortion. Journal of Medical Ethics, 26(4), 265-269.
10. McDonagh, J. (2011). Kantian Ethics and Abortion. Journal of Bioethical Inquiry, 8(2), 211-221.
This structure can help students grasp the significance of ethics in various contexts, encouraging them to engage deeply with moral philosophy and apply it in their decision-making processes.