Target Audience: All citizens participating in the 21st Century Citizenship Program.
Module Duration: 75 minutes
Learning Objectives:
Understand the importance of ethical reasoning and decision-making in the 21st century.
Develop critical thinking skills for analyzing information and evaluating arguments.
Apply ethical frameworks to real-world dilemmas and challenges.
Recognize and challenge biases, assumptions, and logical fallacies.
Foster a sense of responsibility and integrity in personal and civic life.
10 minutes
Ethical Dilemmas in the News: Begins with a presentation of recent news stories or case studies that highlight ethical challenges in various contexts (e.g., technology, business, healthcare, environment).
Program Overview: Discussion to outline the learning objectives and emphasize the importance of ethical reasoning and critical thinking in navigating the complexities of the modern world.
20 minutes
Defining Ethics: An exploration of different ethical frameworks and perspectives, including consequentialism, deontology, and virtue ethics.
Ethical Principles: Open discussion about key ethical principles, such as honesty, fairness, respect, responsibility, and compassion.
Values and Beliefs: Encourages participants to reflect on their own values and beliefs and how they influence their ethical decision-making.
Moral Reasoning: An introduction to the process of moral reasoning, including identifying ethical issues, considering different perspectives, and evaluating potential consequences.
20 minutes
Analyzing Information: Development of skills in analyzing information, identifying assumptions, evaluating evidence, and recognizing bias.
Logical Fallacies: Open dialogue about common logical fallacies and persuasive techniques that can distort arguments and manipulate opinions.
Problem-Solving: Apply critical thinking to real-world problems and challenges, exploring different solutions and their potential consequences.
Decision-Making: Discussion to develop a framework for ethical decision-making, considering ethical principles, potential consequences, and diverse perspectives.
15 minutes
Online Ethics: Open discussion about ethical challenges specific to the digital world, such as privacy, online safety, cyberbullying, and the spread of misinformation.
Social Media and Responsibility: An exploration of the ethical implications of social media use, including responsible content sharing, online etiquette, and the impact of online behavior on individuals and communities.
Artificial Intelligence and Ethics: Introduction to ethical considerations related to the development and use of artificial intelligence, including bias, accountability, and the impact on human jobs.
10 minutes
Personal Responsibility: An emphasis placed on the importance of personal responsibility and ethical conduct in everyday life.
Civic Engagement: Open dialogue to encourage active and responsible civic participation, including voting, volunteering, and advocating for social justice.
Global Citizenship: Promotes ethical considerations in a global context, including environmental sustainability, human rights, and international cooperation.
Ethical Dilemmas: Present ethical dilemmas and facilitate group discussions to explore different perspectives and potential solutions.
Case Study Analysis: Analyze real-world case studies to apply ethical frameworks and critical thinking skills.
Debate and Argumentation: Engage in structured debates on ethical issues to practice critical thinking and persuasive communication.
Reflection and Action Planning: Encourage participants to reflect on their own ethical values and develop action plans for applying ethical principles in their personal and civic lives.
Ethics and Critical Thinking equips citizens with the ethical reasoning and critical thinking skills necessary to navigate the complexities of the 21st century. By fostering a strong ethical compass and a commitment to responsible decision-making, this subject empowers citizens to contribute to a more just, equitable, and sustainable society.