Active learning ideas
Applied ethics takes philosophical theories out of the classroom and into the real world. Students analyze contemporary issues such as environmental ethics, bioethics, and the ethics of technology. This topic aligns with the Ontario curriculum's goal of having students formulate and defend positions on complex societal issues, preparing them for active citizenship.
Activity 01
Groups research a specific bioethical issue (e.g., gene editing or MAID) and present a 'policy recommendation' to the class, justifying their stance with at least two different ethical frameworks.
What are our moral obligations to the environment?
Activity 02
Students debate whether natural features like the St. Lawrence River should have legal personhood. They must consider Indigenous perspectives on the land alongside Western ethical theories.
How should we navigate ethical issues in medical science?
Activity 03
Students are given a scenario where an AI makes a biased decision (e.g., in hiring). They work in pairs to identify who is morally responsible: the programmer, the user, or the AI itself.
What are the ethical implications of artificial intelligence?
A few notes on teaching this unit
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
Applied ethics is just about having an opinion on the news.
Applied ethics requires the systematic application of philosophical frameworks to reach a conclusion. Active learning that requires students to 'show their work' by citing specific theories helps them move beyond simple opinion.
There is always a 'correct' ethical answer to these problems.
Most applied ethics issues involve a conflict between two valid moral values. Peer debates help students see that the goal is often to find the 'least bad' or most justifiable path, not a perfect one.
Methods used in this brief
Foundations of Morality
Students investigate the origins of moral values and the distinction between objective and subjective morality. They explore how culture, religion, and reason shape ethical frameworks.
8 methodologies
Normative Ethical Theories
This topic introduces major ethical theories, including utilitarianism, deontology, and virtue ethics. Students apply these theories to hypothetical moral dilemmas.
8 methodologies