Knowledge and Inquiry · JC 1

Active learning ideas

Ethical Knowledge and Moral Reasoning

Ethics is the inquiry into how we should live. This topic explores the foundations of moral knowledge: Are 'right' and 'wrong' objective truths like math, or are they cultural inventions? Students evaluate different frameworks, such as Utilitarianism (consequences), Deontology (duties), and Virtue Ethics (character), to resolve complex moral dilemmas.

• MOE Syllabus Outcomes
• SEAB A-Level H2 Knowledge and Inquiry (9751): The Construction of Knowledge - Ethics
• SEAB A-Level H2 Knowledge and Inquiry (9751): The Construction of Knowledge - Ethics (Moral Reasoning and Justification)

• 25–50 min
• Pairs → Whole Class
• 3 activities

Activity 01

• Simulation Game
• 50 min · Small Groups

Simulation Game: The Moral Marketplace

Groups are given a limited 'budget' of resources and must decide how to allocate them (e.g., healthcare vs. education) using a specific ethical framework. They then have to justify their 'purchases' to the class.

Are moral values objective or culturally relative?

• Apply
• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Create
• Social Awareness
• Decision-Making

Activity 02

• Role Play
• 45 min · Small Groups

Role Play: The Ethical Dilemma Panel

Students take on the roles of a Utilitarian, a Deontologist, and a Virtue Ethicist. They are presented with a dilemma (e.g., whistleblowing) and must debate the 'right' course of action from their assigned perspective.

How do we justify ethical decisions?

• Apply
• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Social Awareness
• Self-Awareness

Activity 03

• Think-Pair-Share
• 25 min · Pairs

Think-Pair-Share: Relativism vs. Universalism

Students are given a list of cultural practices. They must decide which are 'matters of taste' and which are 'matters of moral truth.' They share their 'line' with a partner to see where they disagree.

What is the role of emotion in moral reasoning?

• Understand
• Apply
• Analyze
• Self-Awareness
• Relationship Skills

A few notes on teaching this unit

---

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

• Ethics is just about 'following the law.'

  Laws can be immoral, and moral actions can be illegal. Using 'Gallery Walks' of historical examples (like the Civil Rights movement) helps students see the gap between 'legality' and 'morality.'

• Moral relativism means 'anything goes.'

  Even relativists usually believe in 'internal' consistency within a culture. Peer discussion of 'universal' human rights can help students challenge the limits of radical relativism.

---

Methods used in this brief

• Simulation Game
• Role Play
• Think-Pair-Share