Lecture 1

Topic: Introduction to Ethics: Morals & Morality

Class Duration: 2 hours

I. Introduction to Ethics

Definition of Ethics: Ethics is the branch of philosophy concerned with human behavior,
specifically focusing on what is morally right and wrong, good or bad.
Importance of Ethics: Ethics guides individuals and societies in making decisions that foster
well-being, justice, and fairness. In everyday life, ethical considerations impact everything from
business practices to personal relationships.
Key Concepts:
Ethics vs. Law: Ethics are moral principles, while laws are rules established by a society to
maintain order.
Ethics vs. Religion: While religion provides moral guidelines, ethics applies universally and
can exist outside of religious frameworks.

II. Morality: Understanding the Core Concepts

Definition of Morality: Morality refers to the principles and values that govern human actions.
These are often influenced by culture, religion, and personal beliefs.
Difference Between Morals and Ethics:
Morals: Individual principles regarding right and wrong, often shaped by upbringing and
culture.
Ethics: A system of moral principles that applies universally to human conduct.
Sources of Morality:
Cultural norms: Traditions and values passed down through generations.
Religion: Many moral principles are based on religious teachings.
Philosophy: Philosophers have long debated what constitutes right or wrong.

III. Activity 1: Class Discussion

Prompt:

Think of a situation where you faced an ethical dilemma. What were the factors that influenced
your decision?
What role did your morals play in your choice?
Goal: Encourage students to share personal experiences and understand how morals influence real-
life decisions.

IV. Theories of Morality

1. Consequentialism: The morality of an action is based on its outcomes or consequences. The

most famous form is Utilitarianism, which argues that the best action is the one that maximizes
happiness for the greatest number of people.
Example: A doctor deciding to allocate limited medical resources to save the most lives
possible.
2. Deontology (Duty Ethics): Actions are morally right if they adhere to rules or duties, regardless
of the outcome. Introduced by Immanuel Kant, this theory emphasizes the intrinsic morality of
actions.
Example: Telling the truth is morally right, even if it leads to negative consequences.
3. Virtue Ethics: Focuses on the character of the individual rather than specific actions. According
to Aristotle, moral behavior is achieved by developing virtues like courage, honesty, and
compassion.
Example: A person helps a stranger not because of a rule but because it reflects their
virtuous nature.
4. Relativism: Morality is not universal; it varies based on culture, society, or personal beliefs.
Example: Practices such as arranged marriages may be morally acceptable in one culture
but viewed differently in others.

V. Activity 2: Group Discussion and Debate

Scenario for Debate:

Imagine you are a manager at a company and you discover that one of your employees has been
stealing office supplies. You know they are struggling financially. Should you report the incident,
considering the circumstances, or turn a blind eye?

Goal:

Split the class into two groups to argue for and against reporting the theft. After the debate,
discuss which ethical theories were used to justify each position.

VI. Factors that Influence Morality

1. Culture: Morals are often shaped by the culture we grow up in. Different societies have different
norms around behaviors like honesty, loyalty, and generosity.
Example: In some cultures, it's considered moral to always respect elders, while others may
prioritize individual freedom.
2. Religion: Many people’s morals are influenced by religious teachings. Religions often provide a
framework of right and wrong (e.g., the Ten Commandments in Christianity).
Example: The moral principle of non-violence in Buddhism shapes the behaviors of its
followers.
3. Personal Experience: Life events and personal experiences shape individual morality. What we
encounter and how we are affected influences our sense of right and wrong.
 Example: A person who has experienced poverty may develop a strong moral stance on
social justice.
4. Society and Law: The legal system reflects a society’s collective sense of morality. However, not
all laws are necessarily moral, and people often debate whether certain laws (like those around
privacy or immigration) are ethical.
Example: Civil rights movements often arise because individuals challenge the morality of
the existing laws.

VII. Case Study: Ethical Dilemmas in Real Life

Case Study 1: The Trolley Problem

A trolley is headed towards five workers on the track. You have the ability to pull a lever to divert
the trolley onto another track, where it will kill one person instead of five. What do you do?

Class Activity:

Discuss the Trolley Problem in pairs, using the different ethical theories to justify your decision
(Consequentialism, Deontology, Virtue Ethics).

Case Study 2: The Doctor's Dilemma

A doctor must decide between saving a patient with rare expertise that could benefit many
people in the future, or three ordinary patients with lesser impact.
Discuss: How do various moral principles guide this decision?

VIII. Student Quiz: Ethical Concepts

Multiple Choice Questions (5 questions)

1. What is the difference between ethics and morals? a. Ethics are individual principles, while
morals are societal rules.
b. Ethics are universal principles, while morals are personal beliefs.
c. Both are the same.
Answer: b
2. Which ethical theory focuses on the consequences of actions? a. Deontology
b. Virtue Ethics
c. Consequentialism
Answer: c
3. Which philosopher is most closely associated with Virtue Ethics? a. Aristotle
b. Kant
c. Mill
Answer: a
4. According to Deontology, why is an action considered moral? a. It leads to good outcomes.
b. It follows a moral duty or rule.
c. It develops virtues.
Answer: b
5. In the Trolley Problem, which theory suggests pulling the lever to save more lives is the right
action? a. Deontology
 b. Consequentialism
c. Relativism
Answer: b

IX. Closing Remarks and Q&A

Recap: We have explored the difference between ethics and morality, discussed key ethical
theories, and applied these ideas to real-life dilemmas.
Q&A: Open the floor for any questions or reflections from students.

X. Homework Assignment

Assignment: Write a 500-word essay on an ethical dilemma you’ve experienced or read about.
Apply at least two ethical theories to analyze the dilemma.