Introduction to Ethics

Complete syllabus

Every chapter and lesson

1. 01

   Chapter 1 · 3 lessons

   What Is Ethics?

   1. 1.1

      Morality & moral reasoning

      8 min · Quick check

      Lesson goal: By the end you can define morality and explain the process of moral reasoning.

      • Define morality as a system of principles concerning the distinction between right and wrong.
      • Explain moral reasoning as the process of evaluating actions based on moral principles.
      • Identify different approaches to moral reasoning, such as consequentialism and deontology.
   2. 1.2

      Relativism & objectivity

      9 min · Quick check

      Lesson goal: By the end you can differentiate between relativism and objectivity in ethics.

      • Define ethical relativism as the belief that moral truths are not absolute but vary between cultures.
      • Define ethical objectivity as the belief that there are universal moral truths that apply to all individuals.
      • Discuss examples of relativism and objectivity in ethical debates.
   3. 1.3

      Why be moral?

      8 min · Quick check

      Lesson goal: By the end you can articulate reasons for being moral and the implications of moral behavior.

      • Identify personal and societal benefits of moral behavior, such as trust and cooperation.
      • Discuss philosophical arguments for why individuals should be moral, including social contract theory.
      • Explore the consequences of immorality on personal and societal levels.
2. 02

   Chapter 2 · 3 lessons

   Consequentialism

   1. 2.1

      Utilitarianism

      9 min · Quick check

      Lesson goal: By the end you can define utilitarianism and explain its key principles.

      • Utilitarianism is a consequentialist theory that evaluates actions based on their outcomes.
      • The greatest happiness principle states that the best action is the one that maximizes overall happiness.
      • Utilitarianism considers the interests of all affected parties equally.
   2. 2.2

      Act vs. rule utilitarianism

      8 min · Quick check

      Lesson goal: By the end you can differentiate between act and rule utilitarianism.

      • Act utilitarianism assesses each individual action based on its consequences.
      • Rule utilitarianism evaluates the consequences of following general rules of conduct.
      • Both forms aim to maximize happiness, but differ in their approach to evaluating actions.
   3. 2.3

      Objections & replies

      8 min · Quick check

      Lesson goal: By the end you can identify and respond to common objections to utilitarianism.

      • Common objections include the potential for injustice and the difficulty in measuring happiness.
      • Responses to objections often involve clarifying the flexibility of utilitarian principles.
      • Utilitarianism can incorporate rights and justice considerations to address criticisms.
3. 03

   Chapter 3 · 3 lessons

   Deontology

   1. 3.1

      Kant & the categorical imperative

      9 min · Quick check

      Lesson goal: By the end you can explain Kant's concept of the categorical imperative and its significance in deontological ethics.

      • Define the categorical imperative and its role in moral philosophy.
      • Discuss the formulation of the categorical imperative: universalizability and humanity.
      • Explore examples of applying the categorical imperative to moral dilemmas.
   2. 3.2

      Duties & rights

      8 min · Quick check

      Lesson goal: By the end you can analyze the relationship between duties and rights in deontological ethics.

      • Define duties and rights within the context of deontological ethics.
      • Examine the implications of duties and rights on moral decision-making.
      • Discuss how duties and rights interact in ethical scenarios.
   3. 3.3

      Objections & replies

      8 min · Quick check

      Lesson goal: By the end you can evaluate common objections to deontological ethics and formulate replies.

      • Identify major objections to deontological ethics, such as rigidity and conflict of duties.
      • Analyze responses to these objections from a deontological perspective.
      • Discuss the relevance of these objections in contemporary ethical discussions.
4. 04

   Chapter 4 · 3 lessons

   Virtue & Care

   1. 4.1

      Aristotle & virtue ethics

      9 min · Quick check

      Lesson goal: By the end you can explain Aristotle's concept of virtue ethics and its significance in ethical theory.

      • Define virtue ethics and its origins in Aristotle's philosophy.
      • Identify key virtues according to Aristotle and their role in achieving eudaimonia (flourishing).
      • Discuss the importance of character and moral development in virtue ethics.
   2. 4.2

      The ethics of care

      8 min · Quick check

      Lesson goal: By the end you can describe the ethics of care and its implications for moral decision-making.

      • Define the ethics of care and its contrast with traditional ethical theories.
      • Explore the role of relationships and empathy in ethical considerations.
      • Analyze case studies that illustrate the application of care ethics in real-life situations.
   3. 4.3

      Character & the good life

      8 min · Quick check

      Lesson goal: By the end you can evaluate the relationship between character and the good life in ethical discussions.

      • Define what is meant by 'character' in ethical terms.
      • Examine how character traits contribute to living a good life.
      • Discuss the interplay between personal virtues and societal expectations.
5. 05

   Chapter 5 · 3 lessons

   Applied Ethics

   1. 5.1

      Bioethics

      9 min · Quick check

      Lesson goal: By the end you can explain the key principles of bioethics and their applications in healthcare.

      • Define bioethics and its importance in medical practice.
      • Identify the four main principles of bioethics: autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice.
      • Discuss real-world applications of bioethical principles in clinical decision-making.
   2. 5.2

      Justice & inequality

      8 min · Quick check

      Lesson goal: By the end you can analyze the concepts of justice and inequality in ethical discussions.

      • Define justice and inequality in the context of ethics.
      • Explore different theories of justice, including distributive and retributive justice.
      • Examine case studies that illustrate issues of justice and inequality in society.
   3. 5.3

      Ethics & the future

      8 min · Quick check

      Lesson goal: By the end you can evaluate ethical considerations regarding future technologies and their societal impact.

      • Define the ethical implications of emerging technologies.
      • Discuss potential future scenarios and their ethical challenges.
      • Analyze the role of ethics in guiding technological advancements.