Philosophy > Ethics > Introductory Ethics
Description:
Introductory Ethics is a foundational subfield within the broader discipline of Philosophy, particularly within the specialty of Ethics. This area of study is concerned with the principles, theories, and frameworks that guide what individuals and societies consider morally right or wrong, good or bad, and just or unjust.
Ethics is one of the main branches of philosophy, historically addressed by philosophers such as Aristotle, Immanuel Kant, and John Stuart Mill. This branch seeks to answer questions about human morality, evaluating the nature of actions, intentions, and consequences.
In the Introductory Ethics course, students are introduced to the basic concepts and methodologies used to analyze ethical problems and moral dilemmas. Key topics typically covered include:
Moral Relativism vs. Moral Absolutism: This fundamental debate explores whether moral standards are culturally dependent (relativism) or universally applicable (absolutism).
Consequentialism: An ethical theory that suggests the consequences of an action are the primary basis for any judgment about the morality of that action. A notable form of consequentialism is Utilitarianism, famously articulated by Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill. The core principle is often summarized by the formula \( \text{Greatest Happiness Principle} \): “Actions are right in proportion as they tend to promote happiness, wrong as they tend to produce the reverse of happiness.”
Deontological Ethics: Associated with Immanuel Kant, deontological ethics asserts that the morality of an action is rooted in whether that action itself adheres to rules or duties regardless of the outcome. Kant’s famous formulation, the Categorical Imperative, can be expressed as:
\[
\text{Act only according to that maxim whereby you can at the same time will that it should become a universal law.}
\]Virtue Ethics: Originating with Aristotle, this ethical framework emphasizes the importance of developing good character traits (virtues) such as courage, temperance, and wisdom. Virtue ethics focuses more on the inherent character of a person rather than on specific actions.
Rights-Based Ethics: This branch explores ethical theories that grant primacy to rights, such as human rights and property rights. It often involves discussions on natural rights as proposed by philosophers like John Locke and the modern implications of these rights in society.
Additionally, introductory ethics courses often cover a variety of contemporary moral issues, applying the aforementioned theories to real-world dilemmas such as euthanasia, animal rights, capital punishment, and environmental ethics. Through a combination of readings, discussions, and critical analyses, students learn to articulate and defend their ethical viewpoints while respecting differing perspectives.
By the end of an introductory ethics course, students are expected to have a foundational understanding of key ethical theories, demonstrate the ability to critically analyze moral arguments, and apply ethical principles to a broad range of personal and societal issues. This foundational knowledge prepares students for advanced studies in moral philosophy and equips them with tools for ethical decision-making in their personal and professional lives.