PHI1001 Introduction to Ethics
Building a Vehicle for Ethical Good.Today, we'll explore the foundation of your ethical compass through a process of self-discovery using a car metaphor.
Imagine yourself as a car, navigating the complexities of your everyday life. Just like a car needs various components to function smoothly, ethical behavior relies on a solid framework of self-understanding.
Using the prompts below, build your ethical framework and explain each part of the car below. Strive to write about 3-4 sentences per prompt:
- The steering wheel represents your moral virtues:
- What core ethical values guide your sense of right and wrong? (Include the wisdom of Aristotle, and at least one additional Indigenous philosophy from the textbook in your answer.)
- The turn signals represent your ethical decision making:
- How do you make ethical decisions, especially in challenging situations? How do you weigh different options and choose the most ethical course of action?
- The headlights as virtue ethics framework
- Which virtue ethics framework do you think best illuminates your conception of virtue? (Choose from Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Indigenous philosophers, or contemporary philosophers mentioned in the reading for this week)
- Gas represents the energy for ethical action:
- What gives you the energy to move forward, act ethically, and contribute positively to society? Is it a deep sense of compassion, a desire for social justice, or something else entirely?
- Tires represent your character development:
- What aspects of your personality enable you to act virtuously? How can you cultivate your virtues and address any ethical shortcomings (vices)?
- Windshield wipers as critical thinking tools:
- What critical thinking tools do you use to ensure clear judgment and avoid ethical oversights in your life?
- Brakes as ethical boundaries:
- What unethical acts will you not tolerate in your life, or in the world around you? What ethical boundaries do you feel prepared to enforce, even if they're unpopular?
- Rearview and side mirrors as reflection:
- How do you reflect on your own ethical behavior and learn from your experiences?
- Seats as level of comfort with ethical dilemmas:
- Do you seek clear-cut answers, or are you comfortable navigating ambiguity? Some thrive on intellectual debate surrounding complex ethical issues, while others prefer a more direct path. Describe your approach.
- Passengers as supportive relationships:
- Who are the people who keep you company on your journey of ethical conduct in your life (e.g., mentors, colleagues, family, friends, etc.)? How do their ethical values influence you? Do they challenge your perspectives and encourage you to strive for your highest ethical self?
Reflection: After building your ethical car, take some time to reflect on the following questions (approximately 300 words):
- What was this exercise like? Did it challenge your thinking about ethical behavior?
- Were any questions difficult to answer? Why or not?
- Did any parts of your car hold greater significance for you? Why?
- What areas of your car need a tune-up? Are there specific areas of your ethical framework you'd like to develop further?APA format