Active learning ideas
Stealing and Deception serves as the first 'Applied Ethics' topic, where students test the three normative theories (Utilitarianism, Kantianism, and Virtue Ethics) against real-world moral problems. Students must move beyond 'gut feelings' to provide rigorous philosophical justifications for why these acts might be right or wrong. This topic is a key requirement for the AQA Moral Philosophy exam.
Activity 01
A character steals life-saving medicine for a poor family. Three 'legal teams' (Utilitarian, Kantian, Aristotelian) must argue whether the thief is 'guilty' or 'innocent' based strictly on their theory.
Is it ever morally permissible to steal?
Activity 02
Stations feature different types of lies: white lies, lies to protect others, and lies for personal gain. Students move around and apply the 'Universalisation Test' and the 'Hedonistic Calculus' to each.
How does Kant view the act of lying?
Activity 03
Students discuss whether a 'virtuous person' would ever lie. They try to identify a situation where lying might actually be the 'Mean' between two vices (like being brutally honest vs being a sycophant).
What would a virtue ethicist say about deception?
A few notes on teaching this unit
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
Students often assume Utilitarians would always support stealing if you are poor.
A Rule Utilitarian might argue that a general rule against stealing creates more long-term happiness and trust in society. Active 'consequence mapping' helps students see the difference between short-term gain and long-term social utility.
Students think Kant's ban on lying is just about 'being a good person'.
For Kant, lying is a 'perfect duty' violation because it is logically impossible to universalise a world where everyone lies. Peer-led logic checks help students see that for Kant, lying 'breaks' the very possibility of communication.
Methods used in this brief
Simulated Killing
An ethical evaluation of simulated killing in media such as video games and films. Students will debate the moral implications of virtual actions.
8 methodologies
Eating Animals
Students examine the moral status of animals and the ethics of consuming them. They will apply the three normative theories to factory farming and meat consumption.
8 methodologies