We have begun Ethics, the area of knowledge concerned with
understanding the principles of right and wrong. How do we really know what is right and
wrong? Is the ethical what we feel is right? Is it following what everyone does? Is
Ethics the same as religion? Is there an innate understanding of Ethics? Do we learn a cultural code that is specific
to our society? If we just follow the
law, are we being ethical? Is authority always right? Is there a universal system that all
acknowledge and respect? If not, how do we
resolve conflicts between analyses of right and wrong? What ethical issues will we confront in our
daily life?
We will confront ethical issues daily. For example, is it right for animals to suffer to improve human life? Is capital punishment right? What should we do if our government goes to war and we do not agree with the justification of the action? Can a society justify the torture of individuals for the greater good? What do we do if coworkers are maligning and mobbing a colleague?
Our first section concerns Christian ethics and we have isolated issues that arise in using a religion as the basis of ethics. Let us reflect on our own experience. How has our religion taught us right and wrong? Has it been effective on a daily basis? Has it avoided issues that you confront in your life? Do you believe that religious people behave more ethically? Can religion, in some issues, become a barrier to ethical behavior?
If we are not religious or do not wish to be so confessional, what do we think about religion and ethics?
Address the questions to your own level of comfort!
Due: November 14
We will confront ethical issues daily. For example, is it right for animals to suffer to improve human life? Is capital punishment right? What should we do if our government goes to war and we do not agree with the justification of the action? Can a society justify the torture of individuals for the greater good? What do we do if coworkers are maligning and mobbing a colleague?
Our first section concerns Christian ethics and we have isolated issues that arise in using a religion as the basis of ethics. Let us reflect on our own experience. How has our religion taught us right and wrong? Has it been effective on a daily basis? Has it avoided issues that you confront in your life? Do you believe that religious people behave more ethically? Can religion, in some issues, become a barrier to ethical behavior?
If we are not religious or do not wish to be so confessional, what do we think about religion and ethics?
Address the questions to your own level of comfort!
Due: November 14
