Course : Ethical Leadership

Unit overview

In the introductory unit to ethics, we embark on a journey to explore the fundamental principles that underpin moral reasoning and decision-making. This unit serves as a gateway to understanding the complex landscape of ethical thought and practice. Through engaging discussions and critical analysis, we delve into the significance of ethics in various contexts, from personal dilemmas to global issues. We examine key philosophical theories, such as consequentialism, deontology, and virtue ethics, unpacking their implications for ethical behavior. Additionally, we investigate the role of culture, religion, and societal norms in shaping ethical perspectives. By navigating case studies and real-world scenarios, students develop the skills to identify ethical challenges and formulate ethical responses. Ultimately, this unit aims to equip learners with a foundational understanding of ethics, empowering them to navigate ethical complexities with insight, integrity, and compassion in both personal and professional realms.

Keywords

ethics; morality; good; evil; ethical stance; consequentialism; deontology; virtue ethics; metaethics; applied ethics; theoretical ethics; normative ethics

Required readings

• Driver, Julia. "Moral Theory." The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Fall 2022 Edition). Edited by Edward N. Zalta and Uri Nodelman. https://plato.stanford.edu/archives/fall2022/entries/moral-theory/.

Complementary readings

• Parry, Richard and Harald Thorsrud. "Ancient Ethical Theory." The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Fall 2021 Edition). Edited by Edward N. Zalta. https://plato.stanford.edu/archives/fall2021/entries/ethics-ancient/.
• Savulescu, Julian, and Evangelos D. Protopapadakis. “'Ethical Minefields' and the Voice of Common Sense: A Discussion with Julian Savulescu." Conatus - Journal of Philosophy 4, no. 1 (2019): 125–133. doi: https://doi.org/10.12681/cjp.19712.