4. Ethics

In this module, we will consider the third branch of PhilosophyThe study of fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, and ethics., which is EthicsIn Philosophy, the theory and study of morality and how we should behave.. We’ll look at its key question: “What, if anything, is right and wrong?” You might be familiar with the topicThe subject chosen by the student to speak about in the spoken language assessment. 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!