Description
This course explores some of the fundamental issues that arise in philosophical discussions of morality and ethics. In this course we utilize philosophy and literature to deepen students' understanding of ethics. Great literature often delves into ethical issues and awakens our minds and hearts to new possibilities; it also encourages readers to understand the moral life in unique ways. Students are encouraged to reflect upon the perspectives and ideas that emerge from the literacy slections and to analyze philosophical texts representative of major ethical theories. We explore ethical questions related to topics such as the purpose of morality, the nature of good and evil, the meaning of life, moral relativism, deontological ethics, and the importance of freedom, autonomy and respect. Class discussions focus on textual analysis, interpretation through closed reading of the assigned texts, and exploration of the central theme of the course: how viewing ethics through the broad lens of