Online Class: Introduction to Ethics

This course is a thorough introduction to the branch of philosophy named ethics, or moral philosophy.

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$120.00 (with CEU Certificate)
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  • 15
    Lessons
  • 17
    Exams &
    Assignments
  • 827
    Students
    have taken this course
  • 7
    Hours
    average time
  • 0.7
    CEUs
 
 

Course Description

Exploring the Moral Compass: A Journey Through Ethics

Embarking on the vast expanse of moral philosophy, this immersive course offers a captivating exploration into the world of ethics. More than just a theoretical study, ethics delves into the very fabric of human behavior, urging us to question and reflect upon the principles that guide our actions. Imagine possessing the ability to discern the nuances between what's 'right' and what's merely 'acceptable'.

In the initial nine modules, we unravel the tapestry of moral codes, laying a robust foundation that illuminates the pillars of righteousness, integrity, and virtue. The inaugural lesson unveils the lexicon of ethics, beckoning you into its intriguing world. As we journey from the ancient footprints of philosophical thought to the contemporary dilemmas, lessons two and three chronicle the evolution of ethical thought. The subsequent sessions meticulously dissect foundational ethical theories, offering profound insights into virtue, the social contract, and deontological principles.

A nuanced understanding of ethics remains incomplete without applying it to real-life conundrums. Lessons ten through fifteen present an exhilarating challenge, plunging students into the depths of ethical dilemmas across a plethora of disciplines—be it the corporate corridors, the solemnity of medicine, the intricate world of law, or the bastions of education. Through these modules, you'll learn to scrutinize everyday scenarios, honing your ability to make ethically informed decisions.

Each module is meticulously designed to encourage introspection, peppered with thought-provoking questions that culminate in a quiz. The accompanying answer key is a treasure trove, offering rationale-rich insights, inviting students to revisit and re-examine the text. By the journey's end, you'll not only possess a panoramic view of ethics from its embryonic stages to its modern-day manifestations but also the acumen to apply these principles with finesse and sensitivity.

Course Modules:

  1. Diving into Ethics: An Introduction
  2. Tracing Ethical Footprints: Ancient to Renaissance
  3. From Enlightenment to Modern Ethics
  4. Branching Out: The Four Pillars of Ethics
  5. The Odyssey of Moral Evolution
  6. Straddling Cultures: Universality and Relativity in Ethics
  7. The Quintessence of Virtue and Natural Law
  8. Duty Calls: Delving into Deontology and the Social Covenant
  9. Deciphering Social Contract Theories
  10. Navigating Ethical Labyrinths: Personal Realm
  11. Corporate Conundrums: Ethics at Work
  12. Balancing Scales: Ethics in Medicine and Judiciary
  13. Boardrooms and Beyond: Ethical Imperatives in Business
  14. Governance and Ethics: Steering the Ship Right
  15. Constructing Moral Edifices: Ethics in Education and Architecture

Join us on this transformative journey, and emerge with a refined moral compass, steering through the multifaceted terrains of today's globalized society.

  • Completely Online
  • Self-Paced
  • Printable Lessons
  • Full HD Video  
  • 6 Months to Complete
  • 24/7 Availability
  • Start Anytime
  • PC & Mac Compatible
  • Android & iOS Friendly
  • Accredited CEUs
Universal Class is an IACET Accredited Provider
 

Course Lessons

Average Lesson Rating:
4.4 / 5 Stars (Average Rating)
"Extraordinarily Helpful"
(481 votes)

Lesson 1: Ethics Defined

This lesson will provide a distinct and elementary explanation of the word as the foundation for this course. All ensuing exercises will build from a shared understanding of this often misunderstood idea. Additional lesson topics: Four Fundamental Ethical Principles; Ethics Defined a glossary ; Moral Choices: An Introduction to Ethics 10 Total Points
  • Lesson 1 Video
  • Lesson discussions: Reasons for Taking this Course
  • Complete Assignment: Your Ethical Motivations
  • Assessment: Lesson 1 Exam

Lesson 2: History of Ethics - Part 1

The purpose of philosophy is to help humans make sense of this world from a non-religious perspective. It is designed to utilize intelligence and reasoning to formulate theories, gather information, and draw conclusions. Additional lesson topics: 10 Things You Should Know about Christian Ethics 8 Total Points
  • Lesson 2 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 2 Exam

Lesson 3: History of Ethics - Part 2

A further look at the historical foundations of ethics in human society. Additional lesson topics: What’s The Difference Between Socialism and Communism?; Evolution and Philosophy; Altruism 7 Total Points
  • Lesson 3 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 3 Exam

Lesson 4: Divisions of Ethical Study

There are four main branches of ethics. These include "normative ethics," "descriptive ethics," "meta-ethics," and "applied ethics." This lesson will explore each of these branches in greater depth. Additional lesson topics: Normative and descriptive ethics; Major Ethical Perspectives 10 Total Points
  • Lesson 4 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 4 Exam

Lesson 5: Moral Development

This lesson will provide the foundation for future studies in the area of moral development by looking at the work of Jean Piaget, Lawrence Kohlberg, and Carol Gilligan. Moral development is the process by which individuals determine what is right and what is wrong. Additional lesson topics: Kohlberg’s Stages of Moral Development; Several Major Philosophers and Their Big Ideas 9 Total Points
  • Lesson 5 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 5 Exam

Lesson 6: Universalism and Relativism

This lesson explores the meta-ethical branch of philosophy. In review, meta-ethics is analytic philosophy and its purpose is to understand the foundation, scope, and status of an ethical principle. Additional lesson topics: Universalism in Ethics; Cultural relativism article 9 Total Points
  • Lesson 6 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 6 Exam

Lesson 7: Virtue Ethics and Natural Law

The philosophy of virtue ethics came from the mind of Aristotle. He was an early believer that man has a natural desire toward goodness, is innately good, and can apply reason to regulate his desires and actions. Additional lesson topics: Eudaimonism; The Ethics of Care: Normative Structures and Empirical Implications 7 Total Points
  • Lesson 7 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 7 Exam

Lesson 8: Deontology - Social Contract

The performance of one's duty under the deontological theory consists of completing a series of actions based on a predetermined set of rules. An action is judged to be moral if the series of actions is completed without regard for the consequences. Additional lesson topics: What is John Locke’s theory of natural rights and justification for a limited government?; Divine Command Theory; Deontological ethics 9 Total Points
  • Lesson 8 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 8 Exam

Lesson 9: Utilitarianism - Care Ethics

The theory of utilitarianism gained recognition through Jeremy Bentham, considered to be its founder. Bentham's theory equates good with pleasure and, conversely, bad with pain. Additional lesson topics: Utilitarianism theory; What Is Ethics of Care? 8 Total Points
  • Lesson 9 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 9 Exam

Lesson 10: The Application of Ethics in Your Private Life

You have worked your way through some very sophisticated subject matter about ethics and morality. Hopefully, it has helped you to get a deeper understanding of the topic's history and breadth. Now, it is time to apply this newfound knowledge to your daily encounters. Additional lesson topics: Family Influences Personal Ethics; Factors that Affect Ethical Behavior in the Workplace; The difference between personal and professional ethics 10 Total Points
  • Lesson 10 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 10 Exam

Lesson 11: Application of Ethics in the Workplace

Ethics is the application of standards of proper conduct as individuals in group settings. In this lesson, we will consider its impact in the general workplace. Specific industries will be addressed in the following units of study. Additional lesson topics: Five Characteristics of a Good Work Ethic; How do You Establish Positive Ethics in the Workplace? 10 Total Points
  • Lesson 11 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 11 Exam

Lesson 12: Application of Ethics in Medicine and Law

Medicine and law are two of the most universally respected disciplines in the world of work. People rely on both for their personal and family's well-being. Additional lesson topics: Several Ethics Traps; What is the Rule of Law?; AMA Principles of Medical Ethics 9 Total Points
  • Lesson 12 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 12 Exam

Lesson 13: Application of Ethics in Business, Manufacturing, and Engineering

The application of ethics in business is termed "business ethics." While ethics itself refers to the conduct of an individual or organization, in this instance, it is applicable to all business environments, an expanse of surroundings to be sure. Additional lesson topics: Ethics in Engineering; Legal and Ethical Issues With Manufacturing Companies; Why is business ethics important? 9 Total Points
  • Lesson 13 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 13 Exam

Lesson 14: Application of Ethics in Politics and Journalism (Print and Non-Print Media)

An examination of the application of ethics in either of these disciplines could singularly fill a book! The goal of this lesson is to give a broad overview of each, instigating the reader to reflect more thoroughly on the crucial value of ethics to the execution of duties associated with either field. 9 Total Points
  • Lesson 14 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 14 Exam

Lesson 15: Application of Ethics in Education and Social Work

In this lesson, the reader will consider the morality of right and wrong conduct as it applies to the very public and collectively shared arenas of education and social work. 79 Total Points
  • Lesson 15 Video
  • Lesson discussions: End of Course Poll; Course Comments; Program Evaluation Follow-up Survey (End of Course)
  • Assessment: Lesson 15 Exam
  • Assessment: The Final Exam
203
Total Course Points
 

Learning Outcomes

By successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
  • Define ethics.
  • Describe history of ethics.
  • Describe divisions of ethical study.
  • Define moral development.
  • Describe universalism and relativism.
  • Describe virtue ethics and natural law.
  • Describe deontology - social contract.
  • Describe utilitarianism - care ethics.
  • Describe the application of ethics in your private life.
  • Describe application of ethics in the workplace.
  • Describe application of ethics in medicine and law.
  • Describe application of ethics in business, manufacturing, and engineering.
  • Describe application of ethics in politics and journalism (print and non-print media).
  • Describe application of ethics in education and social work.
  • Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.
 

Additional Course Information

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Course Title: Introduction to Ethics
Course Number: 9770578
Lessons Rating: 4.4 / 5 Stars (481 votes)
Languages: English - United States, Canada and other English speaking countries
Availability: This course is online and available in all 50 states including: California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Texas.
Last Updated: September 2023
Course Type: Self-Paced, Online Class
CEU Value: 0.7 IACET CEUs (Continuing Education Units)
CE Accreditation: Universal Class, Inc. has been accredited as an Authorized Provider by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET).
Grading Policy: Earn a final grade of 70% or higher to receive an online/downloadable CEU Certification documenting CEUs earned.
Assessment Method: Lesson assignments and review exams
Syllabus: View Syllabus
Course Fee: $120.00 U.S. dollars

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Student Testimonials

  • "The course was very helpful. It will definitely help me in both my personal and professional life to make better and ethical decisions that will take ethics and impact on others into consideration." -- Robert K.
  • "This course was very helpful because it showed the right and wrong when it comes to your place of employment." -- Samantha T.
  • "It has opened my eyes as to how we should act in the world." -- Kayla T.

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