Moral issues studied include the areas of sexual conduct, crime and punishment, political and business ethics, abortion, pornography, racism, and science and technology. Ethical concepts applied to business and government. Case studies and analysis of selected moral issues include the ethics of the marketplace, consumerism, the environment, advertising, job discrimination, obligations of employees and employers, distributive justice, and world poverty. A philosophical analysis of the dilemma of modern man. An examination of the thought and impact of Marx, Nietzsche, and Freud on the materialistic, existential and psychological dimensions of contemporary thought and action.
Special attention is paid to their effect on social, political and religious institutions.
The philosophical approach involving observation, doubt, constructive criticism, and rational analysis is contrasted with the religious approach emphasizing divine revelation, scripture, faith, and obedience. Introduces ethical concepts and theories, and the search for norms governing conduct. Examines good vs. evil, right vs. wrong, justice, and tolerance. Theories include hedonism, egoism, utilitarianism, and intuitionism. Readings in Plato, Aristotle, Kant, Mill, Nietzsche, and contemporary existentialism.