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PHL423

Comparative ethics in Pluralistic Society

  • Arts
  • 400 level
  • 3 credit units
  • 196 pages
  • 18 units

This course introduces students to comparative ethics within a pluralistic society. It explores the fundamentals of ethics, including its branches, principles, and theories. The course examines Christian, Islamic, and African Traditional Religion ethics, analyzing their foundations, sources, and moral values. It also investigates the evolution of religious and ethical pluralism and its implications for corporate existence in a diverse society, fostering understanding and peaceful coexistence.

About this course

Difficulty
Intermediate
Study hours
45 hours
Maths
None
Content
Theoretical, case study
Practical work
No
How it is assessed
  • Assignments
  • Tutor Marked Assignments
  • Final Examination

One paragraph, so you can see how it reads

PHL423 · UNIT 1: NATURE OF ETHICS

Details concerning assignments to be submitted will be found in this file. Assignments are to be submitted to the course facilitator for marking. There are many assignments for this course, provided at the end of every unit. You MUST attempt answers to all the assessment questions as they are meant to assist you in understanding the course.

What you should be able to do

  1. Define and explain the meaning of ethics.
  2. Discuss the classification of ethics.
  3. Explain the foundation of Christian ethics.
  4. Describe how the Quran and Hadith are sources of Islamic ethics.
  5. Describe how ethical values are derived in African Religion.
  6. Explain how a pluralistic society evolves.

What it prepares you for

Careers
  • Religious Affairs Analyst
  • Ethics Consultant
  • Community Development Officer
  • Social Worker
  • Policy Analyst
Where it is applied
  • Religious Organizations
  • Non-Governmental Organizations
  • Government Agencies
  • Educational Institutions
  • Social Services

Where it gets hard

The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.

  • Module 1: General Ethics

    Unit 4: Ethical Theories

    Ethical theories like utilitarianism and deontology require critical thinking and application to complex moral dilemmas.

  • Module 3: Ethics of Islamic Religion

    Unit 2: Sources of Islamic Ethics

    Understanding the nuances of Sharia law and its application to modern ethical issues requires careful study.

A suggested way through it

Suggested

13 weeks, about 30 hours in total. Yours will differ.

  1. Week 1Module 1: General Ethics
    • Unit 1: Nature of Ethics · 2 hours

      Read the introduction to understand the scope and objectives of the course.. Define ethics and discuss its importance in a pluralistic society.. Distinguish ethics from other disciplines such as science, medicine, and law..

  2. Week 2Module 1: General Ethics
    • Unit 2: Branches of Ethics · 2 hours

      Differentiate between meta-ethics, normative ethics, and applied ethics.. Analyze the role of each branch in addressing ethical dilemmas.. Discuss the practical implications of each ethical approach..

  3. Week 3Module 1: General Ethics
    • Unit 3: Principles of Ethics · 2 hours

      Explain the principles of ethics, including good and bad, right and wrong.. Discuss the importance of making ethical choices and fulfilling obligations.. Examine the concept of human rights and its relevance in ethical decision-making..

  4. Week 4Module 1: General Ethics
    • Unit 4: Ethical Theories · 3 hours

      Compare and contrast classical ethical theories such as Platonism and Aristotelianism.. Analyze modern ethical theories including utilitarianism and the categorical imperative.. Apply ethical theories to real-world scenarios and ethical dilemmas..

  5. Week 5Module 1: General Ethics
    • Unit 5: Ethics and Society · 2 hours

      Examine the relationship between ethics and society.. Discuss the role of ethics in promoting social order and justice.. Analyze the challenges of maintaining ethical standards in a complex society..

  6. Week 6Module 2: Ethics of the Christian Religion
    • Unit 1: Foundations of Christian Ethics · 2 hours

      Explore the foundations of Christian ethics.. Discuss the role of Christian theology in shaping ethical principles.. Analyze the concept of revelation and its impact on Christian ethics..

  7. Week 7Module 2: Ethics of the Christian Religion
    • Unit 2: Sources of Christian Ethics · 2 hours

      Identify the sources of Christian ethics, including God, the Bible, and Jesus.. Discuss the importance of scripture in guiding ethical behavior.. Analyze the role of conscience and natural law in Christian ethics..

  8. Week 8Module 2: Ethics of the Christian Religion
    • Unit 3: Principles of Christian Ethics · 2 hours

      Examine the nature of Christian morality.. Discuss the responsive character of Christian morality.. Analyze the ultimate purpose of moral demand in Christian ethics..

  9. Week 9Module 3: Ethics of Islamic Religion
    • Unit 1: Foundations of Islamic Ethics · 2 hours

      Explore the foundations of Islamic ethics.. Discuss the origin and development of the Islamic religion.. Analyze the role of Prophet Muhammad in shaping Islamic ethics..

  10. Week 10Module 3: Ethics of Islamic Religion
    • Unit 2: Sources of Islamic Ethics · 2 hours

      Identify the sources of Islamic ethics, including the Quran and Hadith.. Discuss the importance of the Quran in guiding ethical behavior.. Analyze the relationship between religion and state in Islam..

    • Unit 4: Islamic Ethics · 1 hour

      Define and explain the concept of Islamic Ethics.

  11. Week 11Module 3: Ethics of Islamic Religion
    • Unit 3: Moral Values in Islam · 2 hours

      Examine the moral values in Islam, including the love of God and social responsibilities.. Discuss the importance of family relationships and neighborly conduct.. Analyze the concept of God-consciousness and its impact on ethical behavior..

  12. Week 12Module 4: Ethics of African Traditional Religion
    • Unit 1: Dimensions of African Traditional Religion Ethics · 2 hours

      Explore the dimensions of African Traditional Religion ethics.. Discuss the nature of African religion and its sources.. Analyze the relationship between African religion and ethical values..

    • Unit 2: Agents of African Traditional Religion Ethics · 1 hour

      Identify the agents of African Traditional Religion ethics.. Discuss the role of ancestors, spirits, and elders in shaping ethical behavior.. Analyze the concept of community and its impact on African ethics..

  13. Week 13Module 5: Pluralistic Society
    • Unit 3: Moral Values in African Religion · 2 hours

      Examine the moral values in African religion.. Discuss the importance of respect, hospitality, and communal harmony.. Analyze the role of rituals and ceremonies in reinforcing ethical values..

    • Unit 1: Pluralistic Society · 1 hour

      Define pluralistic society and discuss its nature.. Analyze the evolution of religious and ethical pluralism.. Examine the conditions for religious pluralism and its role in corporate existence..

Preparing for the exam

What to do
  • Create a study schedule that allocates sufficient time for each module and unit.
  • Focus on understanding the key concepts and theories in each ethical tradition.
  • Compare and contrast the ethical principles of Christian, Islamic, and African Traditional Religion.
  • Practice applying ethical theories to real-world scenarios and case studies.
  • Review all tutor-marked assignments and feedback to identify areas for improvement.
  • Prepare concise summaries of each unit to aid in quick revision.
  • Form study groups to discuss complex topics and share insights.

Questions students ask about this course

What is PHL423 about?

This course introduces students to comparative ethics within a pluralistic society. It explores the fundamentals of ethics, including its branches, principles, and theories. The course examines Christian, Islamic, and African Traditional Religion ethics, analyzing their foundations, sources, and moral values. It also investigates the evolution of religious and ethical pluralism and its implications for corporate existence in a diverse society, fostering understanding and peaceful coexistence.

How many units does PHL423 have?

PHL423, Comparative ethics in Pluralistic Society, has 18 units across 5 modules, over 196 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.

How many credit units is PHL423?

PHL423 carries 3 credit units, at 400 level in Arts.

Is PHL423 hard?

PHL423 is rated intermediate level, with no mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical and case study work.

How long does PHL423 take to study?

About 45 hours of study, spread across its 18 units.

How is PHL423 assessed?

PHL423 is assessed by Assignments, Tutor Marked Assignments and Final Examination.

What can I do with PHL423?

Religious Affairs Analyst, Ethics Consultant, Community Development Officer, Social Worker and Policy Analyst.

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