4. Ethics

In this module, we will consider the third branch of Philosophy: ethicsIn Philosophy, the theory and study of morality and how we should behave., and its fundamental question: “What, if anything, is right and wrong?” You might be familiar with the topic of ethics in everyday life, but here we’ll explore the history of Ethics and some ethical theories.

First, we’ll return to the Ancient Greeks and explore Aristotle’s Virtue EthicsAn ethical theory focused on the development of a virtuous character., which emphasises our personal character. Then, we’ll jump through time to weigh up Jeremy Bentham’s UtilitarianismAn ethical theory that is focused on calculating the consequences of our actions to determine what we should or should not do., which focuses on how we can maximise happiness. Finally, we’ll debate Moral Relativism and so-called “Boo-Hurrah” Ethics, which questions whether ethics are objective and universal or personal and subjective.

By the end of this module, you’ll not only know about a few ethical theories but also why ethics is important in everyday life. Now, let us begin!