Virtue Ethics
Philosopher Martha Nussbaum explains what appeals to her about virtue ethics, as opposed to other ways of looking at moral choice. She mentions that it looks at human life as a whole, rather in terms of narrow moral parts. Professor Nussbaum also ap...
Is Morality Relative?: Is Morality Relative?
People and cultures differ so widely that many philosophers wonder if there are any universal standards, even in morality. Over the past few decades, as most Western countries have experienced an increase in cultural diversity, we become aware that ...
Feminist Ethics
Philosopher Martha Nussbaum discusses links between feminism and virtue ethics. She focuses on the idea espoused by some that feminist ethics should turn to virtue ethics in order to develop an ethics based on care and affiliation, and get away from...
Philosophy of Ethics (Part Two), The
Philosopher Stephen Toulmin elaborates on his thoughts regarding Kant, Bentham and ethics. Professor Toulmin points out that when Kant wrote general treatises on the philosophy of ethics, his intent was not to provide axioms, but to simply explain "...
Philosophy of Ethics (Part One), The
Philosopher Stephen Toulmin argues that neither Immanuel Kant nor Jeremy Bentham believed that there's an absolute moral formula that can be applied in all cases.
Standing up as a citizen
Spark class discussion on civic responsibility with this compilation of ABC News segments. Each scenario involves onlookers who - unaware that they are observing actors in staged situations - exhibit a variety of responses, from complacency to outra...
Can Rules Define Morality?: Kantian Ethics
"Can Rules Define Morality?" addresses Immanuel Kant's rights-based theories of ethics, the categorical imperative. What was new about Kant's moral philosophy is that a superhuman authority is not necessary to determine morality. Our own reason, he ...
Does the End Justify the Means?: Utilitarian Principle of Ethics, The
Construction of the Bakun Dam is part of a major power plant project deep in the rainforest of Borneo. Although over 30 villages must be evacuated, 10,000 people moved, and 150,000 acres of rainforest destroyed the government of Malaysia defends the...
Code Gray: Ethical Dilemmas in Nursing
This multi-award-winning program documents four actual situations where nurses confront difficult ethical decisions, as they balance the often contradictory views of patients, family members, and other staff about what is best for their patients. Co...