Ethical Theories: A Brief Overview of Three Approaches to Ethics
A four-session introduction to ethical theories in philosophy.
Renee Adams
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:(2)
What's included
4 live meetings
4 in-class hoursHomework
1 hour per week. Students will read primary sources and provide a 1-page summary of the reading at the start of sessions 2-4. These are graded based on effort, and may be waived at parental request.Assessment
There is an optional take home exam. This would be required for a letter grade instead of a certificate of completion.Grading
A letter grade may be earned by completing the optional final exam. Final grades will be calculated based on the following breakdown: 50% final exam 30% summaries 20% participationClass Experience
US Grade 10 - 12
Students will learn about three major schools of ethical thought, as outlined in the syllabus. The goal of this class is not to tell students which theory they ought to agree with, but to give them an introductory knowledge to ethical theory in the field of philosophy. I prefer a Socratic method, asking lots of questions and interacting with students regarding what we're discussing.
Learning Goals
Students will learn a brief history of western philosophical thought regarding ethics and be introduced to the most influential western philosophers of ethics.
Syllabus
Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created Curriculum4 Lessons
over 4 WeeksLesson 1:
Overview of Ethical Theories
I introduce ethics generally and outline who we will be discussing and how they relate to each other. 60 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Deontological Ethics
I discuss deontological ethics, utilizing Aristotle and Kant. 60 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Teleological Ethics
I discuss teleological ethics, utilizing Hobbes and Nietzche. 60 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Relativistic Ethics
I discuss relativistic ethics, utilizing contemporary philosophers. 60 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Ethical discussions can be a little sensitive. People tend to feel strongly about their ethical views. Also, the thought experiments used to question ethical theories, such as the trolley problem, would potentially be disturbing to some students. I will avoid graphic thought experiments and will establish a class expectation of respectful dialogue.
Supply List
Students will be given excerpts from the major philosophers. Students do not need to purchase any class materials.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Sources
I will provide students excerpts from Plato, Aristotle, Immanuel Kant, Thomas Hobbes, John Stuart Mill, J.L. Mackie, and David Hume. This is so they can check for themselves what these philosophers said about ethics.
Joined August, 2018
5.0
2reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
I have taught Introduction to Ethics for the Philosophy Department at a private university since 2016. I love teaching philosophy and have experience teaching this subject in particular. I believe that students need to be exposed to multiple worldviews and given the best arguments for those worldviews so that they are better equipped to make their own decisions and understand those who disagree with them.Reviews
Live Group Course
$20
weekly1x per week, 4 weeks
60 min
Completed by 2 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 15-18
3-12 learners per class
