Ethics in Action: Making Ethical Decisions in Your Daily Life, 1st edition

INTRODUCTION

 

PART I: UNDERSTANDING THE FOUNDATIONS OF ETHICS

 

CHAPTER ONE - PERSONAL ETHICS

Understanding the Language of Ethics

External Forces Which Shape our Ethics

Theories of Moral Development

Self-Reflection 

 

CHAPTER TWO - ETHICAL THEORIES: RELIGION AND REASON

Introduction to Ethical Theories

Divine Command Theory

Socrates and Plato - The Healthy Soul  

Virtue Ethics

Selected Readings

Plato, selections from Crito and The Republic

Aristotle, selections from Nicomachean Ethics     

 

CHAPTER THREE - ETHICAL THEORIES: DEONTOLOGY AND TELEOLOGY

Deontology - Immanuel Kant, Kantian Ethics

Teleology - John Stuart Mill, Utilitarianism

Selected Readings

Immanual Kant, selections from Fundamental Principles of the Metaphysic of Morals  

John Stuart Mill, selections from Utilitarianism 

 

CHAPTER FOUR - ETHICAL THEORIES: SOCIAL CONTRACTS, FEMINIST

ETHICS AND ETHICAL RELATIVISM

Social Contracts

Enlightened Self-Interest - Thomas Hobbes

Contractarianism - John Rawls

Currents Issues in Ethics</ITEM>

Feminist Ethics

Ethical Relativism versus Absolutism

Normative and Descriptive Ethics

 Selected Readings

            Thomas Hobbes, selections from Leviathan   

John Rawls, selections from A Theory of Justice   

 

PART II: CURRENT ISSUES FOR CANADIANS

 

CHAPTER FIVE - PRINCIPLES OF DISCUSSION AND DEBATE

Applying Logical Reasoning to Ethical Issues

Persuasive Arguments

Logical and Emotional Fallacies in Reasoning

Important Principles to Consider

Human Rights Issues

            The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms

            Justice and Basic Human Rights

            Angelique Lavallee Case for Debate

Article 1: Jail Time = Less Crime

2 Opposing Commentaries on Increasing the Minimum Wage

            Article 2: “Minimum Wage Should Rise to $10”

            Article 3: The Injustice of Minimum Wage”

 

CHAPTER SIX - SOCIAL ISSUES

 Abortion

            Applicable Canadian Laws

            Ethical Arguments

Henry Morgentaler Case for Debate

Embryonic Stem Cell Research and Cloning

Applicable Canadian Laws

Ethical Arguments

Euthanasia and Physician-Assisted Suicide

Applicable Canadian Laws

Ethical Arguments

Sue Rodrigues Case for Debate

Multiculturalism, Discrimination and Minority Rights

Applicable Canadian Laws

Ethical Arguments

2 Opposing Commentaries on Cultural Relations (Hérouxville, Québec)

            Article 1: “Hérouxville’s Dangerous Notions”

Article 2: “In defence of Hérouxville”

Animal Rights

Applicable Canadian Laws

Ethical Arguments

Sexual Relations, Homosexuality, Pornography and Prostitution

Applicable Canadian Laws

DevelopingEthical Arguments

Sports Issues - Steroid Use, Players’ Salaries, Violence in Team Sports

Developing Ethical Arguments

 

CHAPTER SEVEN - GLOBAL ISSUES

Global Inequality and Foreign Aid

The Causes of Third World Poverty

Ethical Issues Concerning Foreign Aid

Just War Theory

Militarism and Pacifism

The Principles of Just War 

Current Controversy:</ITEM><ITEM> Canada's Involvement in Afghanistan

Article 1: “Afghanistan needs Canada”

Article 2: “Troops will not win hearts and minds of Afghans”

Guerrilla Warfare and Terrorism

Omar Khadr: Case for Discussion

Environmental Issues

Environmental Pragmatism

            Business's Responsibility in Protecting the Environment

Government's Responsibility in Protecting the Environment

Contemporary Issues<PARA>

<H2>Article 3: “It’s So Not Cool"

 

PART III:  DEVELOPING AN ETHICAL LIFESTYLE

 

CHAPTER EIGHT - LAWS AND CODES

Ethics and the Law

Law, Religion and Social Customs

A Personal Code of Ethics

Why Have a Code of Ethics

Writing a Code of Ethics 

Identifying Important Values and Principles

Transforming Values and Principles into Ethical Behaviours

Organizing Ethics Statements within a Code

Revising a Code of Ethics

 

CHAPTER NINE - MAKING ETHICAL DECISIONS

Making Ethical Choices in Complex Situations

Locus of Control Issues

Ethical Problems

Ethical Dilemmas

Creating a Personal Action Plan for Ethical Decision-Making

Eight Case Studies of Ethical Dilemmas for Students to Resolve