$9
for all contentPhilosophy for Teens - An Introduction to Virtue Ethics (Self-Paced)
Completed by 10 learners
Ages 12-17
Self-Paced Class
1 pre-recorded lesson
1 week of teacher support
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1 pre-recorded lesson
1 week
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to the contentClass Experience
This is a one-time class with a 50 minute video (that can be re-watched) and slides to keep (as PDF) for notes! Philosophy can be frustrating, full of problems with no good answers. The worst is the "trolley problem" thought-experiment that asks students to choose between five people being run over, or just one. What a horrible choice! Did you know there is a way to solve the "trolley problem" where no one gets hurt at all? This is what my class is all about. There are three classification of ethics. The one least spoken about is Virtue Ethics. The other two categories, known as deontology (absolute ethics) and consequentialism, dominate public discourse and academic attention. This often leaves students feeling demoralized, and thinking all ethics are arbitrary or impractical in real life. But Virtue Ethics are empowering and life-affirming. My class is an introduction to philosophical Virtue Ethics, which were developed independently by Aristotle in the "West" and Confucius in the "East." In this class, I talk about the history, key terms, and practical life lessons that can be learned from Virtue Ethics. For example, in ancient Greece, Aristotle argued that there was a connection between personal excellence, happiness in life, and social responsibility, and that the virtuous person who excels in virtue will be rich in friendships and blessed with good citizenship. Likewise, the Chinese philosopher Confucius wrote that the keys to flourishing in life was through benevolence 仁 (ren), righteousness 義 (yi), trustworthiness 信 (xin), propriety 禮(li), and wisdom 智(zhi). My class discusses their philosophies, and then brings this insights to the infamous trolley problem, empowering students to respond to these ethical questions in ways that are not demoralizing and nihilistic. The class concludes with the practical life advice of Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712-1778) who in the spirit of Virtue Ethics advises everyone: “Achieve your wellbeing with the least possible harm to others.” This is power and possibility of Virtue Ethics. Topics covered include: the trolley problem, deontology, consequentialism, virtue ethics, meta-ethics, happiness (eudaimonia in Greek), virtue (arete in Greek), as well as the Chinese philosophical principles listed above.
Syllabus
1 Lesson
over 1 WeekLesson 1:
An Introduction to Virtue Ethics
Tests learner comprehension of video presentation with a self-paced quiz
Other Details
Parental Guidance
This class will discuss what is known as the "trolley problem" thought experiment -- a common ethical problem discussed in philosophy classes, so popular it has even become an internet meme. One aim of this class is empower students to be able to identify the "trolley problem" as a logical fallacy (meaning, it is a false dilemma).
Specifically, the "trolley problem" involves two bad choices: (1) do nothing and five people get hurt; or (2), take action that saves these five people but results in another person being injured. The thought experiment claims that these are the only two alternatives, and whatever choice that is made will result in injuries. Worse, the one who is asked to solve the "trolley problem" often feels guilty in one way or another for his or her answer. Again, this is a false dilemma: there are always more than two choices.
This class will show students how to solve the trolley problem where no one gets hurt at all.
It is thus empowering for young students, who will learn the critical thinking skills needed to identify a false dilemma.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Meet the teacher
Teacher expertise and credentials
Doctoral Degree from McGill University
I have a PhD in the philosophy of religion from McGill University, and many years experience teaching philosophy and ethics.
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