*Course Description* 

This course examines foundational ethical theories and their application to contemporary moral dilemmas in personal, professional, and societal contexts. Students will explore utilitarianism, deontology, virtue ethics, and justice frameworks while analyzing case studies in business, technology, healthcare, and environmental ethics. Emphasis is placed on developing moral reasoning skills, understanding cultural and ideological diversity, and fostering ethical leadership. 

 

*Learning Objectives* 

By the end of the course, students will be able to: 

1. Explain key ethical theories and their strengths/weaknesses. 

2. Analyse moral dilemmas using structured reasoning frameworks. 

3. Evaluate the ethical implications of real-world issues (e.g., AI, climate change, corporate responsibility). 

4. Articulate and defend personal ethical positions with clarity and empathy. 

5. Apply ethical principles to decision-making in professional and civic roles. 

 

*Required Materials* 

- *Textbook:* Justice: What’s the Right Thing to Do? by Michael Sandel (or similar). 

- *Case Studies:* Provided via the course platform (e.g., Enron scandal, CRISPR gene editing, autonomous vehicles). 

- *Films/Documentaries:* The Social Dilemma (Netflix), Inside Job (2008), or clips from ethics-focused media. 

 

*Course Evaluation* 

| Component               | Weight | Details                                                                 | 

|-------------------------|--------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------| 

| Participation           | 15%    | Engagement in debates, discussions, and role-playing activities.       | 

| Case Study Analyses     | 25%    | Written responses to ethical dilemmas (3-4 assignments).               | 

| Ethical Dilemma Essay   | 20%    | Argumentative essay defending a position on a contested issue.         | 

| Midterm Exam            | 15%    | Covers ethical theories, key terms, and case analysis.                 | 

| Final Project           | 25%    | Group or individual presentation on an ethical issue + proposed solutions.| 

 

*Weekly Schedule* 

 

*Week 1: Introduction to Ethics* 

- What is ethics? Why does it matter? 

- Moral relativism vs. universalism. 

- Activity: "Trolley Problem" debate. 

 

*Week 2: Utilitarianism* 

- Bentham, Mill, and the greatest good for the greatest number. 

- Case Study: Healthcare rationing during crises. 

 

*Week 3: Deontology* 

- Kant’s categorical imperative and duty-based ethics. 

- Workshop: Analysing truth-telling vs. lying in professional contexts. 

 

*Week 4: Virtue Ethics* 

- Aristotle’s golden mean and character development. 

- Activity: Role models and modern virtue (e.g., leadership, integrity). 

 

*Week 5: Justice and Rights* 

- Rawls’ veil of ignorance, Nozick’s libertarianism. 

- Debate: Wealth inequality and taxation. 

 

*Week 6: Business Ethics* 

- Corporate social responsibility, whistleblowing, and ethical leadership. 

- Case Study: Patagonia vs. fast fashion industry practices. 

 

*Week 7: Technology and AI Ethics* 

- Privacy, algorithmic bias, and automation. 

- Guest Speaker: Tech ethicist or data privacy expert. 

 

*Week 8: Bioethics* 

- CRISPR, euthanasia, and healthcare access. 

- Film Analysis: Gattaca (1997) and genetic ethics. 

 

*Week 9: Environmental Ethics* 

- Climate justice, animal rights, and intergenerational equity. 

- Workshop: Simulated climate policy negotiation. 

 

*Week 10: Global Ethics* 

- Human rights, cultural imperialism, and humanitarian intervention. 

- Case Study: Refugee crises and global responsibility. 

 

*Week 11: Ethical Leadership* 

- Moral courage, empathy, and decision-making under pressure. 

- Activity: Designing an ethical code for a hypothetical organization. 

 

*Week 12: Final Project Presentations* 

- Student presentations on contemporary ethical challenges. 

- Course reflection: "How will I apply ethics in my life?" 

 

*Course Policies* 

- *Attendance:* Required for debates and group activities; excused absences with documentation. 

- *Late Work:* 10% penalty per day (up to 3 days late). 

- *Academic Integrity:* Plagiarism or fabrication in essays/case studies will result in disciplinary action. 

- *Respectful Dialogue:* Engage with opposing viewpoints constructively; no personal attacks. 

- *Accommodations:* Notify the instructor in advance for disability-related needs.