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Gavin Walton
- August 18, 2024
If you are a student taking study.com Philosophy 103: Ethics – Theory & Practice, then you are in for a unique learning experience. This type of study focuses on the fundamental operating systems of our conscience, which are explored in ethical theories such as utilitarianism, altruism, and existentialism. Ethical issues in healthcare, business, and personal relationships will also be explored further, acknowledged, and practically solved. From the complete initial novice of philosophy to having some knowledge of the subject, everyone is welcome and encouraged to widen their knowledge and way of thinking.
When crossing through the course, students will be able to reason about multifaceted moral issues and solve them based on the ethical theories studied in the class. The end goal? To ensure you are well conversant with what is expected of you for the final proctored exam and even more important equip you with a rich understanding of ethics in the real world that goes beyond this class. So, buckle up! This learning process should not always be about acquiring new information but also fun and creative.
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The study.com Philosophy 103: Curriculum Highlights📖
Well, what exactly will you be sinking your teeth into with Study.com’s Philosophy 103: Ethics – Theory & Practice? Let’s break it down. This course is aimed to give the student all the information about ethics starting from the main theories as well as the main approach to ethical issues. It is necessary to clarify that it will start with the definition of concepts divided into ethics, morality, and values. This will lay the background for seeing how the different ethical theories are used in practice.
As for ethical theories, you will study such principles as utilitarianism which might be defined as the happiness of the majority of people; deontology which concentrates on the actions’ rightness or sinfulness; and finally, virtue ethics where the action’s ethical nature is determined by the subject’s moral character. These theories will be well captured in the exam, so brace yourself for a lot of time to be spent on them. These theories lay the foundation of the ethical analysis and will be the instruments for decomposing moral issues.
The course also includes the presentation of various ethical questions in different fields. Ethical issues to be examined are patients’ rights and their privacy in healthcare and corporate social responsibility and trade ethics among other issues. These sections will allow you to see how ethical theories are worked out in exercise basing you on real ethical issues. As for these topics, focus on them as they are valuable not only for gaining knowledge but also for the final exam preparation.
Ethics has been defined as the science of right conduct and morality as the principles concerning the distinction between right and wrong. By the time you complete this course, you should be able to differentiate between ethical and moral concepts, identify and examine different ethical theories, and analyze and use them to several social and several social, personal, and professional problems. It is a balanced or comprehensive course beginning with the theory of ethics and ending with an analysis of how such can best be applied in the conduct of everyday affairs. Thus, prepare yourselves for active learning, rigorous cognition, and gaining the fundamental knowledge on ethics that will be helpful irrespective of the exam.
Philosophy 103: Study Plan for Each Week📝
So, let’s increase your chances of success with the help of a weekly schedule created for your convenient use. Adhering to this series format will help the student keep abreast with all the set syllabi tailored towards preparing the students for the final examination.
Week 1: Introduction to Ethics & Morals
- Focus on: Understanding the definitions and differences between ethics, morals, and values.
- Lessons:
- Ethics, Morals & Values | Definition, Examples & Differences
- Morality Definition, Types & Examples
- Activities:
- Watch the video lessons and take the quizzes.
- Create flashcards for key terms.
- External Resources:
- CrashCourse Philosophy: What is Ethics?
- Quizlet Flashcards on Ethics and Morality
Week 2: Comparing Ethical & Moral Concepts
- Focus on: Key concepts such as paternalism vs. autonomy, political justice, and prima facie duties.
- Lessons:
- Paternalism vs. Autonomy
- Political Justice and Political Rights
- Prima Facie Duties
- Activities:
- Watch the video lessons and take the quizzes.
- Write short summaries of each concept in your own words.
- External Resources:
- Political Philosophy: An Introduction
- Quizlet Flashcards on Political Justice
Week 3: Theories of Ethics & Morality
- Focus on: Western and Eastern theories of ethics, Divine Command Theory, and key philosophical texts.
- Lessons:
- Western Theories of Ethics
- Eastern Theories of Ethics
- Divine Command Theory
- Activities:
- Watch the video lessons and take the quizzes.
- Compare and contrast Western and Eastern ethical theories.
- External Resources:
- Western vs. Eastern Ethics: Differences
- Quizlet Flashcards on Theories of Ethics
Week 4: Metaethics
- Focus on: Moral objectivism vs. subjectivism, historical approaches, and the Enlightenment.
- Lessons:
- Moral Objectivism vs. Subjectivism
- Historical Approaches to Understanding Morality
- The Enlightenment
- Activities:
- Watch the video lessons and take the quizzes.
- Participate in online discussions or forums to deepen your understanding.
- External Resources:
- Philosophy Tube: Objectivism vs. Subjectivism
- Quizlet Flashcards on Metaethics
Week 5: Ethical Issues
- Focus on: Moral development, moral dilemmas, and moral relativism.
- Lessons:
- Theories on Moral Development
- Moral Dilemma
- Moral Relativism Theory
- Activities:
- Watch the video lessons and take the quizzes.
- Write a reflection on a personal moral dilemma.
- External Resources:
- Moral Dilemmas: A Study
- Quizlet Flashcards on Moral Development
Week 6: Social & Personal Ethical Issues
- Focus on: Human rights, economic equality, and censorship.
- Lessons:
- Human Rights & Moral Duties
- Moral Questions on Economic Equality & Inequality
- Censorship Definition, Types & Examples
- Activities:
- Watch the video lessons and take the quizzes.
- Debate these issues with classmates or friends to explore different viewpoints.
- External Resources:
- Understanding Human Rights
- Quizlet Flashcards on Human Rights
Week 7: Ethical Issues in Health & Medicine
- Focus on: Patient rights, informed consent, and genetic engineering.
- Lessons:
- Ethical Issues & Mental Health
- Ethical Issues in Healthcare
- Understanding Patient Rights & Treatment Decisions
- Activities:
- Watch the video lessons and take the quizzes.
- Research a recent case involving medical ethics and present your findings.
- External Resources:
- Medical Ethics Explained
- Quizlet Flashcards on Medical Ethics
Week 8: The Ethics of Death & Dying
- Focus on: Euthanasia, the right to die, and ethical issues surrounding life and death.
- Lessons:
- Ethical Issues Concerning Life & Death
- Moral Issues Surrounding the Right to Die
- Activities:
- Watch the video lessons and take the quizzes.
- Write a persuasive essay on a topic related to euthanasia.
- External Resources:
- Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide
- Quizlet Flashcards on Euthanasia
Week 9: Professional & Business Ethics
- Focus on: Business ethics, corporate social responsibility, and ethical decision-making.
- Lessons:
- Business Ethics: Rights, Obligations & Approaches
- Ethical Dilemmas in Business
- The Social Contract in Business Ethics
- Activities:
- Watch the video lessons and take the quizzes.
- Analyze a case study on a business ethical dilemma.
- External Resources:
- Business Ethics Basics
- Quizlet Flashcards on Business Ethics
Week 10: Ethics of Management & Employment
- Focus on: Organizational ethical climate, employer-employee relationships, and equal employment opportunity.
- Lessons:
- Organizational Ethical Climate
- The Ethics of the Employer-Employee Relationship
- Ethical Issues in HR
- Activities:
- Watch the video lessons and take the quizzes.
- Conduct an interview with an HR professional about ethical challenges.
- External Resources:
- HR Ethics Explained
- Quizlet Flashcards on HR Ethics
Week 11: Ethics & The Environment
- Focus on: Environmental ethics, sustainable development, and environmental law.
- Lessons:
- Environmental Ethics Overview
- Environmental Law Definition & Policies
- Sustainable Development within Environmental Limits
- Activities:
- Watch the video lessons and take the quizzes.
- Create a presentation on a current environmental ethical issue.
- External Resources:
- Environmental Ethics: An Introduction
- Quizlet Flashcards on Environmental Ethics
This plan should set you up for a good foundation and make certain that you are ready for the last proctored exam. Stay on track, follow the schedule, and remember that it is okay to ask for help. Good luck!
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Philosophy 103: Free Study Aids📂
While Study.com offers a comprehensive course, supplementing your learning with additional free resources can help you grasp difficult concepts better. Here are some valuable resources to aid your studies:
YouTube Channels and Playlists:
- CrashCourse Philosophy: This channel offers engaging and concise videos on various philosophical topics, including ethics. CrashCourse Philosophy Playlist
- Wireless Philosophy: Explains complex philosophical concepts in an easy-to-understand manner. Wireless Philosophy Channel
Quizlet Flashcards:
- Ethics and Morality: A great way to test your understanding of key terms and theories. Quizlet Ethics Flashcards
- Political Justice and Rights: Use these flashcards to review important political and ethical concepts. Quizlet Political Justice Flashcards
Online Articles and Resources:
- Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy: An excellent resource for in-depth articles on philosophical topics. Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
- Ethics Unwrapped: This site offers videos, case studies, and articles on various ethical issues. Ethics Unwrapped
Educational Websites:
- Khan Academy: Provides lessons on a wide range of subjects, including philosophy and ethics. Khan Academy Philosophy
- Philosophy Pages: Offers a collection of resources on various philosophical topics. Philosophy Pages
Podcasts:
- The Partially Examined Life: A podcast by a group of philosophy enthusiasts discussing various philosophical texts and ideas. The Partially Examined Life Podcast
- Philosophy Bites: Brief interviews with top philosophers on a wide range of topics. Philosophy Bites Podcast
By integrating these resources into your study routine, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle any challenges that come your way. Happy studying!
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Philosophy 103: Topics You Can't Miss 🔑
Of course, the best study plan can leave you wondering through a forest of ethical options, but identifying specific subjects of ethical discussion will definitely make your studying easier and more effective. In the given discussion, four major concepts have been described in a manner that any person can easily understand in order to succeed in the Study.com Philosophy 103: Ethics – Theory & Practice exam.
- Utilitarianism vs. Deontology
Utilitarianism:
- Definition: An approach to normative ethics that concerns the identification of actions that would have better utility or, in other words, increase overall human satisfaction.
- Key Principle: “The greatest good for the greatest number.”
- Example: If a doctor could, for instance, operate on five patients and save them by using the organs of a healthy person who would die as a result, a utilitarian would speak in favor of the operation because it would bring more happiness.
Deontology:
- Definition: An ethical theory that is used to differentiate between right and wrong through the use of laid down rules.
- Key Principle: Actions are morally right if they adhere to established rules or duties, regardless of the outcome.
- Example: The same doctor scenario would be considered unethical by a deontologist because it involves killing an innocent person, which violates the moral duty to respect individual rights.
Comparison Table:
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Aspect
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Utilitarianism
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Deontology
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Focus
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Consequences of actions
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Adherence to moral rules
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Decision Basis
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Maximizing overall happiness
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Following ethical principles and duties
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Example Scenario
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Sacrificing one to save many
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Never sacrifice an individual, regardless of the outcome
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- Virtue Ethics
Definition: An ethical business perspective that states that the character of a person is the most important moral concept instead of the principles and the outcomes of decisions made. Key Principle: Cultivation of character assets (that is, courage, temperance, wisdom, and all virtues) results in a moral life.
Example: A person does what is right not for the reason that there is a rule against lying and if one is caught lying then he will be punished, but because the person believes that lying is wrong.
Real-World Application: That is, virtue ethics can be applied in working places where virtues including integrity and character are essential attributes of managers and subordinates
- Moral Relativism vs. Moral Objectivism
Moral Relativism:
- Definition: The belief that morality is relative to the norms of one’s culture or individual preferences.
- Example: In some cultures, arranged marriages are considered ethical, while in others, they are seen as unethical. Moral relativists argue both views are valid within their cultural contexts.
Moral Objectivism:
- Definition: The belief that certain moral principles are universally applicable.
- Example: Objectivists would argue that basic human rights, such as the right to life, are universal and should be upheld regardless of cultural differences.
Comparison Table:
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Aspect
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Moral Relativism
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Moral Objectivism
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|---|---|---|
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Basis
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Cultural norms and individual preferences
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Universal moral principles
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Flexibility
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Ethical standards vary between societies
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Ethical standards are constant across societies
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Example
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Varied views on arranged marriages
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Universal agreement on basic human rights
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- The Doctrine of Double Effect
Definition: A principle oftentimes used to state that an action, which has a good and a bad result, is morally allowed if the action is good or neutral, the bad result is not an intentional one, and there is a proportionally grave reason for allowing the bad result.
Example: Feeding large amounts of morphine to a dying patient with the aim of reducing his pain though the action will surely bring about the death of the patient. The primary purpose is not to bring about the patient’s death but to relieve suffering.
Real-World Application: This principle is frequently applied in medical ethics, especially with regard to the care of patients at the end of their lives where treatments need to consider alleviation of suffering against the effects of the drugs.
Studying these topics and getting acquainted with the fundamentals of the course will help you to better solve the difficult ethical problems of the Philosophy 103: Ethics – Theory & Practice class and the exam.
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Philosophy 103: FAQ Section❓
Q: What is the area of concern or concentration of the Philosophy 103 course?
A: The primary goal of the course Philosophy 103 is to understand ethics and various ethical theories and their solutions to different practical cases. This means you will be acquainted with various types of moral theories ranging from utilitarianism, deontology, and virtues theories, as well as topics like health care, business, and interpersonal relationships ethics.
Q: How is my grade calculated in this course?
A: This course is worth 300 points, and correspondingly your grade for the course will be the number of points earned. Lessons are worth 100 points and comprise the quizzes, while the proctored final examination constitutes 200 points. However, to get a pass in the course and be given college credit, one must get 210 points; this is equivalent to 70% out of 300 points.
Q: How many tries am I allowed for the quizzes?
A: For each quiz, you actually have three attempts and your highest score in each of the attempts is what will be considered. Again, in order to get course progress, you are expected to score at least 80% on each quiz though this does not have to be scored in the first three tries.
Q: What materials are allowed during the proctored final exam?
A: For the proctored final exam you are permitted to use a sheet of blank paper and pen or pencil. Textbooks, mobile phones, calculators, or any other aids are prohibited in the examinations.
Q: Can I retake the proctored final exam if I’m not satisfied with my score?
A: Yes, the proctored final exam is optional if you did not score as high as you desired, you could attempt it again. There is a minimum 3-day waiting time before the application can resume, and you are provided with only two attempts.
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Philosophy 103: Course Wrap-Up📄
Embarking on study.com’s Philosophy 103: Ethics – Theory & Practice course is a great and enriching experience that would help broaden your knowledge about moral theories and how they work. As this course is based on the understanding of basic ethical concepts, ethical decisions, and keen preparation through the study plan and extra materials, you should prepare well for the final exam and successfully apply ethical reasoning in your everyday life.
So remember here unrelenting studying and an active engagement with material along with a desire to criticize your own ethical views is the way to go. Ethics is not some test to emerge from a class with and *boom* you are an ethical person; it is the creation of a lens that you use, consciously or subconsciously when making decisions. Therefore, immerse in the content, use the resources, and do not shy away from getting assistance if warranted. If you truly apply yourself you won’t only ace the exam but you will also get knowledge that will follow you beyond the course. Good luck and have a pleasant time with the exploration of the infinitely interesting topic of ethics!
