Thursday 10/6: Intro to Ethical Theory

Read or view before class:

1. The Good Place, Chidi Chili Meltdown

2. Ethical Theory Concept Map (see how it links to what Chidi just taught us!)

3. BBC History of Ideas, The Trolley Problem (this is about a version of Consequentialism called Utilitarianism)

4. BBC History of Ideas, Kant’s Axe (this is about the theory of Deontology)

5. BBC History of Ideas, Aristotle on Flourishing (this one is about the theory called Virtue Ethics)

Prepare or organize before class:

Look for in videos: the specific things stressed by the three theories - Virtue Ethics, Deontology, and Consequentialism/Utilitarianism - when clarifying right and wrong actions.

Which theory feels like one you might be most likely to use in your own ethical decision-making?

The GOOD PLACE - two more additions to how Utilitarians approach The Trolley problem - very funny!