Description
This introductory course in the study of ethics will explore the historical contributions to this important area of civilized thought. It will nurture and affirm the student’s appreciation of the need for a reliable perspective and guidelines for responsible living in the complexities of a society and world which looks forward to change and discovery in the next century. This course will provide a rational framework by which students can evaluate issues and make ethical choices. It is a goal of this course to facilitate critical thought and examination of cultured opinion as we seek to discover wholesome civility and meaning in a rapidly changing contemporary world. Issues which will be explored are the taking of human life, mercy killing, euthanasia, abortion, lying, cheating, breaking promises, marriage, human sexuality, pornography, bioethics, and issues in medicine and the professions, as well as ethics in business, sports and issues surrounding the environment.