Module 6: Ethics and Morality

(Image from the public domain CC-0)

The question of how to act and the reasons to act (self-motivated? community-centered?) have vexed philosophers for centuries. This chapter contains a section of readings that mainly come from the British 18th- and  19th-centuries, with a selection from Greek philosopher Aristotle to start the unit.

As students and citizens in the world, you will no doubt have to make difficult decisions in your life and career. This chapter is important because the readings provide context and reasoning for those series of choices.

The more that you can find examples from the chapters, the more that these theoretical discussions of ethics and morals will resonate with you.  Most of the readings are logical and sequential. They delve into definitional terms ('utility' and 'utilitarianism,' 'morality,' and more). As one of the final units, this chapter should culminate some of the points made on science and philosophy, art and aesthetics, and so forth, that have previously been covered.

To achieve these objectives:

1. Read the Module 6 Introduction 
2. Watch the recorded lecture (see below)
3. Do the discussion board post
4. Take the quiz on ethics and morality (only major points from the Bentham, Mill, and the lecture will be on it). The quiz has six questions that must be answered in five minutes.
5. Complete the media critique.

Module Pressbooks Resources and Activities

You will find the following resources and activities in this module at the Pressbooks website. Click on the links below to access or complete each item.