This class is not intended to teach right from wrong, but explores “why” people think something is, or isn’t, and what they would have done. We will practice arguing heartfelt opinions without insult or defamation. We will begin with an overview of the general field of ethics, concentrating on two basic axes: whether the ends can justify the means, and whether exceptions can be made to ethical rules depending on circumstances. The next four sessions will compare debatable situations from two of those viewpoints, in turn. For the final class, each student will try to figure out their personal ethical style.
