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Ethical Theories: A Brief Overview of Three Approaches to Ethics
Renee Adams
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:(2)
A four-session introduction to ethical theories in philosophy.
Class Experience
US Grade 10 - 12
Follows Teacher-Created Curriculum
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.
4 lessons//4 Weeks
Week 1Lesson 1Overview of Ethical TheoriesI introduce ethics generally and outline who we will be discussing and how they relate to each other.Week 2Lesson 2Deontological EthicsI discuss deontological ethics, utilizing Aristotle and Kant.Week 3Lesson 3Teleological EthicsI discuss teleological ethics, utilizing Hobbes and Nietzche.Week 4Lesson 4Relativistic EthicsI discuss relativistic ethics, utilizing contemporary philosophers.
- Students will learn a brief history of western philosophical thought regarding ethics and be introduced to the most influential western philosophers of ethics.
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.
0 - 1 hours per week outside of class
Homework
Frequency: available upon requestFeedback: available upon requestDetails: 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
Frequency: available upon requestDetails: There is an optional take home exam. This would be required for a letter grade instead of a certificate of completion.Grading
Frequency: available upon requestDetails: 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% participation
Students will be given excerpts from the major philosophers. Students do not need to purchase any class materials.
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
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.
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
Hello! I have experience teaching philosophy courses on an adjunct basis at a Christian university, Biola. I have a Bachelor's in Philosophy and Christian Studies from Ouachita Baptist University and a Master's in Philosophy of Religion and...
Group Class
$20
weekly or $80 for 4 classes1x per week, 4 weeks
60 min
Completed by 2 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 15-18
3-12 learners per class
