Download Applied Ethics Introduction & Theories

Applied Ethics
Introduction & Theories
Computer Science
Introduction
Outline of the Course
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Introduction (1 week)
Ethical theories (3 weeks)
Examples of ethical issues and
Discussion (4 weeks)
Ethical problems in Computer Science (2
weeks)
Group presentation (3 weeks)
Introduction
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What is “ethics”?
What is “applied ethics”?
Why study ethics?
What is “ethics”?
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A system of moral principles accepted by the society
Should not cheat, steal, harm others… etc.
A set of social principles
Wear proper attire, be polite to others, civic duties….etc
A set of code of practice derived from religion
The 10 Commandments for Christians, no pork for
muslims…..etc
A set of code of practice for various professions
Medical ethics, lawyers’ ethics, reporters’ ethics….etc
Philosophical study of certain values of human life.
We also can find a reason to support moral positions
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How to decide whether a course of action is good or bad
Ethical theories.
What is “Applied Ethics”?
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Use ethical theories to decide what is good or
bad in real life situations
Why study ethics?
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Do you need to study ethics to be a good person?
No: We learned from our parents, teachers, society what we should or should
not do
Yes: Some of the assumptions of the society might be wrong
Yes: We should be able to decide ourselves on some controversial issues
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Can we be better persons after taking a course in
ethics?
Yes: You should be more prepared to make right decisions
Yes: Plato thought that “All evil is ignorance”
No: You might not choose to do what is right
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Learn to structure reasoning and argument
Learn to be a critical thinker
Learn to consider other people’s opinions
Ethical Theories
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Ethical relativism & objectivism
Egoism and altruism
Utilitarianism
Kant’s moral theory
Natural law and natural rights
Virtue ethics