Applied Ethics Minor

Coordinator:
Vance Ricks

Department of Philosophy

The applied ethics minor seeks to develop in students the ability to uncover the moral implications inherent in situations that will arise in their professional lives. Through reading, writing, examination of the primary literature of ethics, critical analysis of case studies and development of persuasive arguments, students should develop an understanding of, and appreciation for ethical principles and their importance for addressing “real world” concerns.

As students progress through the minor, they are challenged to struggle with the ethical dilemmas posed by new developments in professional fields and new advances in technology. Whether determining an ethical approach to computer illiteracy and social displacement in an increasingly technological society, ensuring a sustainable future for humanity within the ecosphere, considering the ethical dilemmas posed by the AIDS epidemic or assessing the ethics of the marketplace, they will learn how to identify an ethical course of action.

Minor Requirements

The minor requires a minimum of 16 credit hours (four courses).

   1.  PHIL 111 Ethics                                                                                      4 credits

   2.  IDS 423 Ethical Issues in Biology and Medicine or                                     4 credits

        IDS 402 Business Ethics

3-4.  Two courses from:                                                                                    8 credits

        BIOL 212 Environmental Science

        BIOL 443 Genetics

        JPS 320 Ethics in Justice and Policy Studies

        PHIL 241 Computer Ethics

        PHIL 242 Environmental Ethics

        PECS 103 Voices of Liberation

        PECS 330 Nonviolence: Theories and Practice

Total credit hours required for applied ethics minor                                   16 credits