Knowledge & Values 2 - Building Moral Frameworks

Starter: How did you develop the ability to ‘morally navigate’ the world?

Objective: explore moral frameworks and the role of empathy within them

Outcomes:

Read the dictionary definitions of ‘ethics’ and 'morals'. What are the differences? What is a moral framework?

A definition of ethics....

(ˈɛθɪks)

1. (Philosophy) (functioning as singular) the philosophical study of the moral value of human conduct and of the rules and principles that ought to govern it; moral philosophy. See also meta-ethics

2. (functioning as plural) a social, religious, or civil code of behaviour considered correct, esp that of a particular group, profession, or individual

3. (functioning as plural) the moral fitness of a decision, course of action, etc: he doubted the ethics of their verdict.

ˈethicist, eˈthician n

2. Where does the definition seem to place the responsibility for ethics - on individuals, or groups of knowers? Do you agree?

3. Ethical decision making in the arts - Watch the clip from the movie Se7en. Discretion advised! In what way is Brad Pitt’s character forced to choose between doing what is right for the group, and what is right for him personally? Does this lead to the ‘right’ ethical decision?

4. What does it mean when we say ‘using empathy’ to understand something?

Give an explanation, supported by examples, of how empathy might give us an insight into other people’s experiences

5. How important is it to use our empathy when making decisions (ethical or otherwise)?

6. In pairs, you will take the role of Barack Obama OR Paul Bloom about the role of empathy in ethics.

Use the article and video for your side to help you script your opinion.

Add as much detail as you can to make your position accurate, including references to ethical issues currently going on in the world. You will debate in two groups - Obama / Bloom - class discussion.

Empathy Doesn't Make You a Good PersonFrom a moral standpoint, it makes the world worse.

The one thing that could save the world: Why we need empathy now more than everCritics say that empathy clouds our judgment and distracts us from true morality. Here's what they're missing

The Case Against EmpathyIt’s hard to imagine empathy being anything but beneficial. It has become one of the most championed mental states in the neuroscience age: the ability to feel what someone else is feeling and, if all goes well, extend a hand altruistically or compassionately.

7. Does empathy help or hinder us as we make ethical decisions (are you an Obama-ite or a Bloom-ite)?

8. What is (/should be) the role of empathy in the construction of our moral framework?

Knowledge & Values 2 - Building Moral Frameworks

Starter: How did you develop the ability to ‘morally navigate’ the world?

Objective: explore moral frameworks and the role of empathy within them

Outcomes:

PLENARY: which AOKs reared their heads in this lesson?