This course delves into contemporary ethical dilemmas that revolve around fundamental questions: How should individuals navigate the complexities of the world? How should they determine their actions? How can a just and sustainable society that caters to the needs of all be cultivated? The curriculum explores an array of both religious and secular ethical traditions, aiming to dissect the essence of ethical living.
We will embark on an exploration of the cultural, political, and socio-economic underpinnings of various ethical frameworks, alongside an examination of our own moral constructs. In doing so, we will dissect the ways in which these systems are shaped and in turn shape the contexts they emerge from.
Engagement with pressing ethical matters of our time is at the core of this course, encompassing themes such as multicultural relationships, the stark realities of economic inequality, the treatment of animals, and environmental preservation. The course will also provoke contemplation on the very nature of accountability for one's choices and deeds, expanding into broader reflections on the very nature of responsibility. Additionally, we will deliberate on the appropriate responses to the actions of others, as well as our own.
A contemplative dimension is seamlessly woven into this course, inviting students to adopt and reflect upon personal ethical choices. This reflective practice serves to deepen personal ethical thinking, fostering an understanding of the interconnectedness between our individual and communal lives. It is within this nexus that ethical dimensions reside, encompassing not only our thoughts and beliefs but also our daily practices – from the food we eat to the clothing we wear, from the places we shop to the manner in which we spend our time and resources.