We will also be concerned with developing approaches to reaching ethical decisions as individuals in interaction with other persons. The ability to tolerate and deal with ethical ambiguity is a sign of maturity. Ethical issues are seldom black and white, but come in all shades of gray. Likewise, ethical decisions are sensitive to the philosophical and religious commitments each of us brings to life. The student will be evaluated both on his or her ability to take account of a variety of positions in discussion and writing as well as the ability to make coherent choices having taken account of the alternatives.
Ethical decisions are a matter of public discussion as well as of private conviction.
The issue of ethics and the professions will be addressed through a review of a book on ethics in the student's chosen profession. These are to be about four pages in length and are to contain an extended analysis of a particular ethical case. Be sure to relate the case to a coherent approach to ethical decision-making and to indicate why you find the issue behind the case ethically important. Instructions for writing a brief have been appended to the end of the syllabus. Each student will be responsible for reviewing a book on ethics in his or her chosen profession.