Emphasizes practical and normative ethical questions as well as analytical or metaethical questions. Provides a systematic examination of problems by covering various classical and contemporary theories which include standards of criteria of moral action, the nature and justification of moral judgments, the nature of ethical knowledge, the meaning of ethical terms, intelligent decision-making, and free will vs determinism.
Goals, Topics, and Objectives
The goal of this course is to provide the student with the conceptual tools to be able to discuss and formulate ethical decisions covering the problems encountered in society, using criteria of critical thinking and objectivity.
- Philosophy
- Arguments
- Descriptive Ethics/Normative Ethics/Metaethics
- Ethical Theories
- Applications to Ethical Problems
- Define philosophy and its various branches.
- Identify and explain the differences between descriptive ethics, normative ethics, and metaethics.
- Identify, explain, and apply major ethical theories offered throughout the history of philosophy.
- Identify deficiencies in ethical theories based on critical thinking and argumentation.
- Recognize ethically important components of contemporary moral issues.
- Discuss contemporary moral issues using major ethical theories offered throughout the history of philosophy.
Assessment and Requirements
All assessment of student achievement is left to the discretion of the individual instructor.
Outcomes
- Humanities and Fine Arts
- Civil Society and Culture - U.S. and Global
- Humanities
- Category 5: Humanities and Fine Arts
Credit for Prior College-Level Learning
Determined by department