WHAT MAKES ETHICS UNIQUE AS A DISCIPLINE? It is a FIELD of STUDY: EXAMINES: The moral basis of human behavior Attempts to determine the “BEST” course of action in the face of conflicting choices

ESSENTIAL UNDERSTANDINGS (core concepts) 1.Intellectual Rigor: The importance of Well-Reasoned Judgments – An analytical approach to evaluating issues – Arguments are well-reasoned and clearly articulated – A solid understanding of science content is a foundation – Thorough, analyzed, justified, and supported 2.Citizenship in a Democratic, Pluralistic Society: Respect for Alternate Approaches and Viewpoints – Understand and respect differing positions – Increases understanding from various points of view – EVEN well-reasoned judgments can be used to support morally unacceptable practices – Not all community and societal levels are deemed equal

My question to you….. If you didn’t have time to think about it, and you acted, would it be the right thing to do? What would you be acting on? Morals? Values? Ethics? Defining Values/Virtues, Morals, Ethics

Agenda What are values, morals and ethics. How do we make our choices for values, morals and ethics and where do you stand. Do we prioritize these, if so, how? How do we use them in decision making?

Choices and Values: Values Characteristics – Sincerity – Honesty, Integrity – Emotional well-being, Stability – Artistic Appreciation – Education, Intelligence, Wisdom – Altruism, Compassion, Fairness, Justice – Appearance, Beauty, Approval – Love, Friendship, Personal closeness – Health, Personal Safety, Security – Religion, Spirituality – Family, Love, Emotional Security – Fulfillment, Intellectual and Vocational Achievement – Personal freedom, Independence – Financial security, Money, Status – Pleasure, Travel, Material Satisfaction – Power, Achievement – Courage – Perseverance

Essential Question: How does Ethics Differ from Morals and Values? Defining Values/Virtues, Morals, Ethics

Values: – Qualites that signify what is important and worthwile. – Values serve as the basis for moral codes and ethical reflection. “ Life is to be values, in other words life is sacred’ Individuals have own values based on: Family, religion, peers, culture, race, social background, gender, etc Values guide: Individuals, professions, communities, and institutions Defining Values, Morals, Ethics

Morals – Codes of conduct governing behavior. – They are an expression of values reflected in actions and practices. “One should not kill” Morals can be held at an individual or communal level and are culturally bound. Defining Values, Morals, Ethics

Ethics – Provides a systematic, rational way to work through dilemmas and to determine the best course of action in the face of conflicting choices. If killing is wrong, can we justify the death penalty or kill in self defense? – Ethics attempts to: – find and describe what people believe is right or wrong, – establish whether certain actions are actually right or wrong based on all the information available. Defining Values, Morals, Ethics

Ethics Def. A discipline dealing with what is good and bad and with moral duty and obligation, a set or moral principles or values, a theory or system of morals, the priniples of conduct governing an individual or a group, a guiding philosophy. Defining Values/Virtues, Morals, Ethics

Religion Def. The service and worship of God or the supernatural, commitment or devotion to religious faith or observance, a personal set or institutionalized system of religious attitudes, beliefs, and practices, a cause, principle, or system of beliefs held to with ardor and faith. Hundreds of different religions exist, each with its own set of beliefs. In the U.S. Constitution, our history of the separation of church and state, and our highly pluralistic society obligate us to rely on principles that are widely accepted in making decisions that impact many people. These principles are not unique to any particular religion, yet at the same time they are not only founded in religion. Defining Values/Virtues, Morals, Ethics

Law Def. A binding custom or practice of a community, a rule of conduct or action prescribed or formally recognized as binding or enforced by a controlling authority, the whole body of such customs, practices, or rules. One would hope there would be a strong connection to what is ethical and law. However what is legal is not always ethical and vice versa. Many societies have enforced unjust or unethical laws. Defining Values/Virtues, Morals, Ethics

Society/Sociology Social institutions, social relationships, the study of the development, structure, interaction, and collective behavior of organized groups of humans (or for all aggregates of live) and the science of the mind and behavioral characteristics of a group. How individuals and groups act is dependent on cultural variability. Not the same as ethics, which is HOW or the process by which cultural decisions, right or wrong decisions are made. Defining Values/Virtues, Morals, Ethics

Why Ethics and Science The rapid pace of scientific innovation has not been matched by parallel growth in the analysis of the ethical implications of new growth. However, science or the study of natural philosophies is a human endeavor and conducted in a social context, science and use of technology must consider ethical implications. Defining Values/Virtues, Morals, Ethics

So help me out here how do these connect? Right and wrong Solutions/decision making Stakeholders Science Relevance Ethics Virtues Morals Religion College and career ready Defining Values/Virtues, Morals, Ethics

So you tell me How do you teach a course like this? Defining Values/Virtues, Morals, Ethics

2 Enrich Your Presentation Stylize, edit, and animate your media

2 Enrich Your Presentation Stylize, edit, and animate your media

2 Enrich Your Presentation Stylize, edit, and animate your media