course module 1, intro. lecture] what is ethics (f, 2012)

7/29/2019 Course Module 1, Intro. Lecture] What is Ethics (F, 2012)

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Introduction: What is Ethics?

(Rachels, The Elements of Moral Philosophy, Ch. 1;

Hinman, Contemporary Moral Issues, Introduction)

I. Ethics, morality and moral theory

A. Rachels begins his book by highlighting two incredibly difficult cases where

people are required to make seemingly impossible judgments about how they should act

or not act. This highlights the essential subject matter of ethics human action. But

ethics is not merely interested in human action as a only an event; it is interested in

examining and evaluating the quality of human action in light of some expressed

standards or set of values.

B. Everyone asks ethical questions all the time. We ponder over whether our actions

are helpful or hurtful to others. We wonder if one course of action is better than another;

is it good to do action A and wrong to do action B? These are ethical questions. But

ethics as a course of study is a branch of philosophy where we ask even more penetrating

and conceptual questions, such as: What qualities or characteristic go into making an

action agoodaction? How does one decide what rightand wrongconsist in? Can a

person improve themselves and become better at judging the quality of actions, both our

own and those of others? Who decides what standard(s) determine the rightness or

wrongness of an action? All of these and much more are part of what makes up the

subject of ethics.

C. In pursuing the study of ethics we need to be clear about several important terms

that will appear frequently in the readings and in our discussion of ethics. The word

ethic is derived from the Greek word ethos, meaning custom or pattern and was used

to describe a general character or way of life that a person evidenced in their behavior.

The subject of ethics, then, seeks understanding about ways of living, or in the words of

the great ancient Greek philosopher, Socrates, it seeks to understand how we ought to

live.


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D. Sometimes the word ethics is used in the very specific sense of a standard of

conduct or set of rules espoused by a particular profession. For instance, we often think

of lawyers and legal ethics or medical doctors and medical ethics. This is a narrower use

of the term than we will typically use throughout our study this semester. For all intents

and purposes, we will use the terms ethics and morality interchangeably. Both terms are

equally appropriate for describing the standards and subsequent judgments made in

evaluating human behavior. By the same token, the term moral theory (orethical theory)

refers to the study of ethics/morality and the systematic points of view that have arisen to

describe in general terms the standards, criteria and judgments regarding human action.

II. Why study ethics?

A. You may be asking this very question as you begin this course. But rest assured

that you are not the first, nor will you be the last person to ask this question. Ethics has

been a subject of interest and intense questioning since the earliest written accounts ofwestern philosophy. And ethics courses have long been a traditional part of the

curriculum for those seeking an undergraduate college degree. Why, then, do we study

ethics?

B. There are a number of reasons that we might site for the study of ethics and many

are unique to particular moral theories or ethical points of view. But there is consensus

about some of the most fundamental reasons for studying ethics. First, some have

claimed that ethical knowledge is a key to becoming a good and virtuous person. While

not everyone accepts this reason, it does seem that much of morality is learned (perhaps

something like learning a skill, for example playing the piano or becoming good at aparticular sport), so knowing what morality is about can play a role in helping one to

become a better person.

C. Another important reason for studying ethics is that the process of comparing and

evaluating moral theories, and entering into the debate surrounding important

contemporary moral issues helps one improve theirmoral reasoning skills. The goal is

that our decisions about what actions to choose and our evaluation of other peoples

actions will not be merely the result of blind, arbitrary forces like urges and mere

personal desires. Rather, if we can understand the role and importance of moral

reasoning, and even gain some practice in using our moral reasoning capacities, then wewill be on the road to becoming competent and informed moral persons. An ethics

course like this one gives you some basic tools and instruction regarding moral reasoning,

as well as the opportunity to practice such reasoning.


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D. Perhaps over the course of our study together this semester you will add some of

your own reasons why one should study ethics. If you have some insights on this, I

would love to have you email me your thoughts, or perhaps you would be willing to post

them on the discussion forum titled, Topics of Interest and Independent Discussion.

III. Getting Started in Ethics 1330

A. By now, you should have had an opportunity to explore the course site, read and

print a copy of the course syllabus, etc. If you have not completed the Start Here!!!

section of the course, go back and do that now.

B. If you have completed that portion of the course, then you are ready to finish the

course introduction section by taking the Introductory Quiz (under the Quizzes &

Surveys navigation button) and the Moral Orientation Quiz that helps you explore your

own moral point of view. Both the Introductory Quiz and the Moral Orientation Survey

must be completed should by Sept. 3 at midnight. These are graded assessments and

each will count for 10 points toward the Quiz/Survey score for the course. These items

can also be accessed through the Assignments folder for this lesson.

C. It is also vitally important that you acquire and begin reading the assigned

chapters for each Learning Unit within Module 2 of the course. These reading

assignments are also found in the Assignment folder of each learning unit as well as in

the Lecture, etc. folder each Learning Unit.

D. If you have any questions about the course structure, assignments or anything

else, please email or post your question on the discussion forum titled, Post Any CourseQuestions Here. If you want a direct and timely response from me, the best way to get

an answer to your question is via email. Good luck and I look forward to studying ethics

with you this semester!

course module 1, intro. lecture] what is ethics (f, 2012)

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