Course Description
Introduces students to the discipline of philosophy through the exploration of contemporary ethical issues. In an ever-changing world, the study of ethics remains crucial for understanding and navigating the moral questions that arise in various aspects of modern life. Course offers students an opportunity to critically engage with a range of ethical problems, theories, and debates that our relevant to their lives.
Athena Title
Contemporary Ethical Issues
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student Learning Outcomes
- Students will be able to explain basic concepts in normative ethics.
- Students will be able to identify ethical problems and their salient features.
- Students will be able to assess possible resolutions to ethical problems from multiple perspectives.
Topical Outline
- 1. Ethics in Technology: Students will explore ethical questions related to AI, privacy, surveillance, and the digital age, considering the impact of technology on individuals and society.
- 2. Environmental Ethics: This unit will examine moral questions regarding environmental conservation, climate change, and our responsibilities to future generations.
- 3. Biomedical Ethics: This unit will include issues such as medical decision-making, organ transplantation, genetic engineering, and the ethics of healthcare resource allocation.
- 4. Social Justice: This unit will explore topics like inequality, discrimination, mass incarceration, affirmative action, and the moral obligations of society to address these issues.
- 5. Global Ethics: Students will consider questions of global poverty, humanitarian intervention, and the moral challenges posed by globalization.
- 6. Animal Ethics: This unit will delve into the moral standing of non-human animals and other non-human beings, such as AI and robots. Students will consider the ethical implications of animal research, industrial agriculture, plant-based diets, and cultural practices that involve animals.
General Education Core
CORE V: Social Sciences
