Ethics Course Overview and Key Concepts

Introduction

• Instructor: James Brumbaugh

• Course focus: Ethics

Importance of Ethics

• Ethics permeates everyday actions and choices.

• Determines life trajectory and shapes social interactions.

• Ethical concerns include fairness and societal responsibilities (e.g., taxes, social welfare).

Course Goals

• Encourages critical thinking about personal ethical views.

• Aim: Provide tools for articulating and justifying ethical beliefs.

Readings Overview

• Initial readings include: "What is the Socratic method?" and Plato's "Euthyphro."

• Socratic method: Dialogical approach to question beliefs and justifications.

• Plato's Euthyphro explores the definition of piety through Socratic dialogue.

Key Concepts from Plato

• Plato (c. 428-348 BCE): Influential philosopher, student of Socrates.

• His work examines justice, goodness, courage, and piety.

• Euthyphro centers on the challenge of defining piety, demonstrating the complexity of ethical concepts.

Approach to Readings

• Read with focus on the central question: "What is piety?"

• Note the lack of conclusive answers; aim to deconstruct common assumptions.

Instructor Availability

• Open to discussions and questions regarding the material.

• Encourage seeking guidance if readings are challenging.