GEN1000 Perspectives on General Education
PPE1003 Ethics
The module focuses on the understanding of morality by the application of moral theories to the study of contemporary moral issues. It aims to introduce students to major moral theories in the Western and Chinese traditions, for instance, Utilitarianism, Kantian ethics, Virtue ethics and Confucian ethics. It also explores the study of morality in relation to the meaning of life. Students are encouraged to apply those moral and philosophical theories to examine and review contemporary moral issues by building critical arguments and generating reflective comments. It helps students to develop the critical methods and analysing skills of their moral reasoning in order to make their own judgments that connect those theories they have learned from the module with moral and existential questions in their life.
Upon completion of this module, students should be able to:
a. describe the nature, methods and theories of morality;
b. explain and evaluate various theories of ethics;
c. identify and criticize contemporary moral issues;
d. develop their philosophical understanding of morality and answer to moral and existential questions;
e. engage in moral debate in a rational manner.
1. What is morality?
1.1 Basic definition of morality
1.2 The nature of morality
1.3 The concern of moral philosophy
1.4 Moral judgments in everyday life
2. Moral theories
2.1 Ethical and psychological egoism
2.2 Natural law theory
2.3 Cultural and moral relativism
2.4 Consequentialism
2.5 Kantianism
2.6 Virtue ethics
2.7 Confucian ethics
3. Morality and the meaning of life
3.1 Question on the meaning of life: human life and non-human life
3.2 Moral quest in the meaning of life: humanism and existentialism
3.3 Pursuit of a good life: virtue and happiness
4. Contemporary moral issues
4.1 Bioethics (e.g., abortion, euthanasia, cloning, sexual morality, etc.)
4.2 Environmental concerns (e.g., animal rights, climate change, integral ecology, sustainable development, etc.)
4.3 Public issues (e.g., public health, death penalty, information technology, etc.)
5. Great challenges to morality in the future
5.1 Thinking morality in diversified aspects
5.2 Morality and globalization
5.3 The resolution of moral conflicts
1. Presentation and Assignment (35%)
2. Test (25%)
3. Final essay (40%)
