1. Philosopher Buddy Chat
What did you find out? Did you understand/agree with anything you read?

2. Moral Absolutism
Starter – On handouts, underline the statements that you think relate to moral absolutism
Reading – Plato – Puzzle of Ethics
Key Thinkers: Plato, Kant, Aquinas.
LO s:
 To explore the moral concept of ethical absolutism
To consider some examples of absolutist theories
To evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of this position.

3. Group Task
We are going to explore examples of moral absolutism. Please pick one of the following:
Plato – Forms (difficulty 5)
Donnelly – Human Rights (difficulty 2)
Aquinas – Religious (difficulty 3)
In your group, read the information, discuss it, take brief notes and answer the following questions
What is objective and unchanging? What is universalizable? Is this a strong theory? Can you think of anything wrong with it?

4. Strengths Weaknesses Not changed by group preferences
Different societies can share common values
Gives greater authority to rules and laws
One person/society can morally judge another
No account of historical developments
No account of cultural differences
No account of individuals or situation
Can be harsh and unforgiving
Any application would be based on personal interpretation and so would be partly subjective

5. Summary
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