The Moral Dilemma: Consequentialism and Deontology in Decision Making

This course explores the ethical theories of consequentialism and deontology and their application to decision making. Consequentialism focuses on the outcome of an action as the basis for evaluating its moral worth, while deontology emphasizes adherence to moral rules and duties regardless of the outcome. These two ethical theories present a moral dilemma for decision makers, as they may conflict in certain situations and require careful consideration to determine the appropriate course of action.

Throughout the course, students will examine case studies and real-world scenarios to gain a deeper understanding of the moral dilemma posed by consequentialism and deontology. They will explore the strengths and weaknesses of each theory and the challenges of applying them to complex ethical problems. The course will also cover the historical development of consequentialism and deontology, as well as their modern interpretations and critiques.

By the end of the course, students will have gained a solid foundation in consequentialism and deontology, and be able to critically evaluate ethical problems and make informed decisions based on these theories. They will also be able to articulate and defend their own ethical positions in a clear and convincing manner.