Online Class: Introduction to Ethics

Explore the fabric of human actions in this ethics course, from foundational theories to challenging applications across diverse fields like medicine and law. As you engage with thought-provoking questions and scenarios, emerge equipped with the acumen to make principled decisions in a globalized society.

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  • 15
    Lessons
  • 32
    Exams &
    Assignments
  • 910
    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:
4.3 / 5 Stars (Average Rating)
"Extraordinarily Helpful"
(504 votes)

Lesson 1. Core Principles of Ethics Explained

Essential for societal cohesion, ethics provides a foundation for shared conduct and public policies. By examining core principles like justice and beneficence, we foster a flourishing life with minimal harm to others. 31 Total Points
  • Lesson 1 Video
  • Lesson discussions: Reasons for Taking this Course
  • Complete Assignment: Introduce Yourself
  • Assessment: Lesson 1 Exam
  • Assessment: Lesson 1 Review Exam

Lesson 2. Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle: The Pioneers of Western Ethics

Beginning with Socratic questioning and Aristotle's systematic analysis, philosophy has long sought to define human happiness and purpose. This philosophical lineage informed early Christian thought, merging historical insights with scripture to create an evolving moral compass guiding modern ethical discourse. 21 Total Points
  • Lesson 2 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 2 Exam
  • Assessment: Lesson 2 Review Exam

Lesson 3. Kant and Mill: Foundations of Modern Ethics

Kant's ethics, emphasizing reason and duty, categorizes duties as perfect or imperfect, focusing on intentions over outcomes. Mill's consequentialism, rooted in utilitarianism, values actions that maximize happiness, with applications in policy and rights debates. 26 Total Points
  • Lesson 3 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 3 Exam
  • Assessment: Lesson 3 Review Exam

Lesson 4. Journey Through Ethical Theories

Descriptive ethics observes and compares real-world moral beliefs and behaviors across cultures and times, providing empirical insights into ethical diversity. This branch helps understand how personal interests and societal norms influence actions and ethical decisions globally. 30 Total Points
  • Lesson 4 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 4 Exam
  • Assessment: Lesson 4 Review Exam

Lesson 5. Building Blocks of Moral Growth: Piaget, Kohlberg, and Gilligan

Moral development is central to understanding human interactions, encompassing how we learn to distinguish right from wrong while creating ethical principles. Influenced by individual experiences, cultural norms, and societal expectations, it shapes personal identities and collective behaviors. 19 Total Points
  • Lesson 5 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 5 Exam
  • Assessment: Lesson 5 Review Exam

Lesson 6. Ethics Across Cultures

The philosophical debate between Universalism and Relativism explores the foundations of ethical principles, with Universalism suggesting immutable moral truths and Relativism advocating for culturally dependent judgments. This dialogue extends beyond philosophy, influencing sociologists and anthropologists in examining the universality versus cultural specificity of moral values. 20 Total Points
  • Lesson 6 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 6 Exam
  • Assessment: Lesson 6 Review Exam

Lesson 7. Virtue Ethics Explained: A Journey of Philosophical Pursuits

The convergence of virtue ethics and natural law underscores humanity's intrinsic good, fostering ethical communities and aligning with concepts like corporate social responsibility. This synthesis highlights the applicability of ethical principles, helping to ground societal and corporate actions within universally recognized moral standards. 27 Total Points
  • Lesson 7 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 7 Exam
  • Assessment: Lesson 7 Review Exam

Lesson 8. Social Contract Philosophies: From Hobbes to Modern Implications

Deontology faces criticism for its rigid adherence to duty, potentially leading to conflict in ethical dilemmas, such as prioritizing action over consequences in moral decisions. Critics argue it overlooks situational needs, advocating for a flexible ethics approach that incorporates consequentialism's and virtue ethics' elements for a nuanced perspective. 25 Total Points
  • Lesson 8 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 8 Exam
  • Assessment: Lesson 8 Review Exam

Lesson 9. Ethical Dualities: Exploring Utilitarianism and Care Ethics

Utilitarianism proposes that ethical actions maximize collective happiness, but its reliance on predicted outcomes can lead to moral ambiguity. Care ethics, developed as a counterpoint, emphasizes the moral significance of relationships and care, promoting a nurturing approach that challenges conventional justice-focused ethics. 18 Total Points
  • Lesson 9 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 9 Exam
  • Assessment: Lesson 9 Review Exam

Lesson 10. Crafting and Living Your Personal Code of Ethics

Creating a personal code of ethics is about defining your fundamental beliefs and how they guide your actions and decisions. This introspective process not only clarifies your convictions but also fosters a life enriched by integrity and purpose. 30 Total Points
  • Lesson 10 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 10 Exam
  • Assessment: Lesson 10 Review Exam

Lesson 11. Navigating Workplace Ethics: Principles and Applications

Ethical lapses, although seemingly small, can trigger detrimental outcomes, such as eroding trust and compromising safety. Upholding core values like fairness and caring in workplaces leads to constructive environments and successful outcomes. 21 Total Points
  • Lesson 11 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 11 Exam
  • Assessment: Lesson 11 Review Exam

Lesson 12. Core Ethical Principles in Healthcare and Legal Professions

Legal and medical professionals alike face ethical challenges that require balancing confidentiality with public safety, managing conflicts of interest, and advocating for fair treatment. By applying ethical principles across disciplines, practitioners can navigate these dilemmas effectively, aligning professional conduct with societal expectations. 29 Total Points
  • Lesson 12 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 12 Exam
  • Assessment: Lesson 12 Review Exam

Lesson 13. Navigating Ethical Challenges in Business Environments

Business ethics are the moral compass of organizations, shaping interactions with clients and internal operations, while fostering long-term sustainability through trust and fairness. Companies that value ethical decision-making, transparency, and consumer respect build loyal customer bases and successful brands, as demonstrated by companies like Unilever and Patagonia that prioritize sustainability. 20 Total Points
  • Lesson 13 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 13 Exam
  • Assessment: Lesson 13 Review Exam

Lesson 14. Navigating the Complex World of Ethics in Politics and Journalism

The interplay of political and journalistic ethics is crucial during elections and policy scrutinization, where journalists act as watchdogs for political accountability. This relationship ensures informed public discourse and supports the democratic process. 19 Total Points
  • Lesson 14 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 14 Exam
  • Assessment: Lesson 14 Review Exam

Lesson 15. Navigating Ethics in Education and Social Work: Principles and Challenges

Ethics in education and social work is vital, with professionals tasked with balancing moral principles and real-world demands to improve individual and societal outcomes. Despite historical and ongoing challenges, ethically guided practices in these fields support transformative contributions, aiming for a fairer, more just society. 99 Total Points
  • Lesson 15 Video
  • Lesson discussions: End of Course Poll; Course Comments; Course Comments
  • Assessment: Lesson 15 Exam
  • Assessment: The Final Exam
  • Assessment: Lesson 15 Review Exam
435
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

Online CEU Certificate
  • Document Your Lifelong Learning Achievements
  • Earn an Official Certificate Documenting Course Hours and CEUs
  • Verify Your Certificate with a Unique Serial Number Online
  • View and Share Your Certificate Online or Download/Print as PDF
  • Display Your Certificate on Your Resume and Promote Your Achievements Using Social Media
Document Your CEUs on Your Resume
 
Course Title: Introduction to Ethics
Course Number: 9770578
Lessons Rating: 4.3 / 5 Stars (504 votes)
Languages: English - United States, Canada and other English speaking countries
Availability: Available across all 50 U.S. states, this course includes key regions such as California, Texas, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio, and Georgia. The course is also open in major English-speaking countries, including Australia, Canada, the UK, and Ireland.
Last Updated: April 2024
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.
Course Type: Self-Paced, Online Classes
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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