Philosophy · Grade 11 · Ethics and Moral Philosophy · 3.º Período

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.

TL;DR:This topic explores where our sense of right and wrong comes from, contrasting moral absolutism with moral relativism. Students investigate the roles of culture, religion, and reason in shaping ethical frameworks. This is a critical part of the Ontario curriculum, as it helps students understand the diverse moral landscapes they navigate in a multicultural society like Canada.

• Ontario Curriculum Expectations
• HZB3M D1.1: Identify the main questions in ethics
• HZB3M D1.2: Explain the difference between moral absolutism and moral relativism

About This Topic

This topic explores where our sense of right and wrong comes from, contrasting moral absolutism with moral relativism. Students investigate the roles of culture, religion, and reason in shaping ethical frameworks. This is a critical part of the Ontario curriculum, as it helps students understand the diverse moral landscapes they navigate in a multicultural society like Canada.

Students also examine the impact of historical events, such as the legacy of residential schools, on our understanding of justice and morality today. By exploring these foundations, students learn to articulate their own moral values more clearly. This topic benefits from gallery walks and collaborative investigations where students can compare different ethical systems without judgment.

Key Questions

1. Where do moral values come from?
2. Are there universal moral truths?
3. How does culture influence our understanding of right and wrong?

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

Moral relativism means 'anything goes' and we can't judge anyone.

What to Teach Instead

Relativism means morality is tied to culture, but cultures still have internal rules. Active learning that explores 'universal' human rights can help students find the balance between respecting culture and protecting individuals.

Common Misconception

Morality is only possible if you are religious.

What to Teach Instead

Many ethical systems are based on reason or social contracts. Peer teaching about secular ethics like Utilitarianism can help students see the diverse foundations of morality.

Active Learning Ideas

Gallery Walk

Global Moral Codes

Display various moral codes from different cultures and eras (e.g., The Seven Grandfather Teachings, the Ten Commandments, Secular Humanism). Students rotate and identify common themes and significant differences.

40 min·Small Groups

Think-Pair-Share

The Source of Morality

Students reflect on a moral rule they follow (e.g., 'Don't lie'). They then work with a partner to trace that rule back to its source: is it from family, religion, reason, or society?

20 min·Pairs

Inquiry Circle

Relativism on Trial

Groups are given a controversial cultural practice. They must argue for it from a relativist perspective and then critique it from an absolutist perspective, presenting both sides to the class.

50 min·Small Groups

Frequently Asked Questions

How can active learning help students understand the foundations of morality?

Morality is deeply personal. Active learning strategies like 'Think-Pair-Share' allow students to safely explore their own moral origins before engaging with broader theories. This personal connection makes the shift to abstract concepts like 'absolutism' much more meaningful, as they can see these theories reflected in their own lives and the lives of their peers.

How do I teach moral relativism without causing conflict in a diverse class?

Focus on 'descriptive relativism' (observing that cultures have different rules) before moving to 'normative relativism' (the idea that we *shouldn't* judge). Use structured protocols for discussion to ensure all voices are heard respectfully.

How do Indigenous perspectives change the conversation about morality?

Indigenous ethics often emphasize relationality and responsibility to the land and future generations, rather than just individual rights. This provides a vital alternative to Western individualistic ethics.

What is the best way to connect this topic to Canadian history?

Examine how different moral frameworks led to different treatments of people in Canada's past. For example, compare the moral justifications for the Indian Act with modern ethical frameworks of reconciliation.