PHIL 1003: Ethics and Society Introduction Dr Alexandra Cook

What is a “university”? Tertiary institution—next step after secondary studies Medieval universities—humanities, theology, medicine and law Connotes: –universality (universe), whole –all-encompassing human knowledge, –academic freedom: free and open discussion of ideas without external interference.

What we do Think critically; Ask questions; Do not expect final, definitive answers to philosophical questions! E.g. what is the good life, and how do we live it? What is morality? Should we be moral?

Ethics It’s all around us!

What are “ethics”? From Greek and Latin words for manners; Ethics refers to how we conduct ourselves in relation to others.

Examples of ethical questions –Is it all right to lie or steal in certain situations? –Must we report a crime committed by a friend? –May stockbrokers take funds entrusted to them by investors? –May corporations pollute the environment? –Is it all right to accept a bribe? –May politicians lie to the people?

Fields of applied ethics Business/corporate ethics Ethical investing/Islamic finance Media ethics Computer ethics Professional ethics, codes of –Legal ethics: the Bar –Medical ethics, code of the AMA –Scientific research: human/animal subjects.

What is “society”? From Latin, “socius,” companion A group of people formed for any reason, –e.g. people born in Hong Kong Aristotle: highest society is the polis— –organized to achieve the highest good of which man is capable.

Examples –to pursue common interests, hobbies –to achieve political ends, e.g. a political party –to organize social events, for fun, e.g. the Philosophy Society; –to change how we behave toward the environment: e.g. Green Sense.

Example of a Society: HKU Philosophy Dept

Ethics and Society topics –What is morality? Do we really value it? Plato –Virtue/happiness, the Polis: Aristotle –Religion as basis for moral society: Augustine –Rulers/states should not be moral: Machiavelli –Society based on rights of men: Locke, Rousseau –Liberalism: Mill –Society based on interests of workers: Marx –Environmental ethics: Leopold, Serres, and Gore.