Overview

Applied ethics is the practical application of ethical theories and principles to real-world situations. It involves examining ethical issues that arise in various fields and industries, such as healthcare, business, politics, and technology. By studying applied ethics, we can learn how to analyse complex ethical dilemmas, evaluate competing moral claims, and make well-reasoned ethical judgments. In a world where rapid technological advancements and globalization are creating new ethical challenges, we need to be able to think critically and ethically about the choices we make. Throughout this module students will learn to navigate the complex moral landscape of modern society, learning how to weigh the interests of different stakeholders, balance competing values, and make informed decisions that promote human flourishing and social justice.

This module offers students the opportunity to create the course syllabus in partnership with the module convenor. Each year students will be given the opportunity to study a range of ethical issues including some of the following: • Ethical issues in healthcare, such as medical decision-making, euthanasia, and organ donation • Corporate social responsibility, including ethical issues related to product safety, environmental impact, and labor practices • Cybersecurity and data privacy, including issues related to surveillance, data breaches, and cybercrime • Ethical considerations in scientific research, such as animal testing and genetic engineering • Ethical issues related to artificial intelligence, such as the impact of automation on employment and ethical principles in algorithmic decision-making • Ethical considerations in law enforcement, such as the use of force and racial profiling • Bioethics, including issues related to cloning, stem cell research, and gene editing • Ethical issues in international development, including poverty alleviation, fair trade, and environmental sustainability • Ethical dilemmas in the media, such as freedom of speech, censorship, and journalistic integrity • Ethical issues in education, including academic integrity and equal access to education • Ethical issues related to globalization and economic inequality, such as the exploitation of workers in developing countries and unequal distribution of wealth • Ethical considerations in environmental policy, such as climate change and resource depletion • Ethical issues in the food industry, such as the use of pesticides and genetic modification • Ethical considerations in the use of military force, such as just war theory and civilian casualties • Ethical issues related to social media, such as cyberbullying and online harassment

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -(D- to D+) Work in this band will demonstrate a cursory knowledge of the issues and arguments within both historical and contemporary moral philosophy, but might show a lack of understanding, and will not demonstrate an ability to analyse or evaluate these arguments. Work in this band will fail to develop a successful argument relevant to the content of this course. -good -(C- to B+) Work in this band will demonstrate good knowledge and understanding of the issues and arguments within both historical and contemporary moral philosophy, and (for the higher grades) will be able to apply that knowledge and understanding to the construction of an argument relevant to the content of this course. This argument might show some minor misunderstandings, or might not be presented with impeccable structure, but will nonetheless demonstrate the student's knowledge and understanding of the subject area, and will show that they are capable of constructing a logical and coherent argument. -excellent -(A- to A*) Work in this band will demonstrate comprehensive and very detailed understanding of historical and contemporary moral philosophy, based on extensive background reading, and will demonstrate an outstanding ability to construct a logical and coherent argument relevant to the content of this course.

Learning Outcomes

• demonstrate a grasp of basic study skills, including the ability to read critically and display an acceptable degree of competence in written assignments

• engage critically with arguments and counter-arguments relating to issues of contemporary moral concern

• present coherent arguments, with supporting evidence, in essays, examinations and seminars

• show an awareness of the complexity and ambiguity involved in presenting moral arguments relating to issues of contemporary concern