1. An Introduction to Ethics Theory of Knowledge

2. Objectives Consider making choices Looking at the role values have in making choices The role of emotion and reason in making choices How are ethical dilemmas different to making “normal” choices? The role of emotion and reason in ethical judgements

3. Choices 1. A free, all expenses trip to anywhere in the world with the person of your choice. 2. Achieve 40 plus points on the IB DP 3. Guarantee that you will be the next President of your country 4. Overcome all environmental issues 5. A long life with perfect health 6. To become the most beautiful/attractive person in the world 7. Opportunity to eat whatever you want as often as you want without putting on weight 8. Find true love

4. Now it’s time for an auction

5. Questions Can we separate emotion and reason in making these choices? Is there any instance where a specific knowledge (from Science, Maths, History, Arts) provides a good ground for a choice?

6. Values So what did you value? What do you value in a school?

7. Type 1 of Values Subjective values: can value something without making a judgement about its value of properties ICE CREAM

8. Type 2 of Values Relational values: values that are related to a need not to a desire IF I WANT A GOOD IB I NEED TO STUDY EVEN THOUGH I DON’T LIKE STUDYING. Value to one person but not another SUGAR

9. Type 3 of Values Is there anything that has value or worth in itself without reference to anything else? Are there things that are intrinsically good? Is happiness always an intrinsic good?

10. An Ethical Dilemma

11. An Actual Dilemma Two shipwrecked people were struggling in the water. One was holding on to a plank and the other swimming towards it. The plank would not keep two people afloat, so the person who had reached the plank first pushed back the other, who subsequently drowned. The survivor was accused of murder and tried in court. Was the survivor guilty?

12. The Actual Verdict This is a true story. The survivor was acquitted (found not guilty) “The law recognises that a person who is in a position of having a reasonable chance to survive cannot be expected to give up his life to save another or to share the fate of death.”

13. Is this reasonable?

14. Questions How do we know if this is reasonable or not? How do we know if our actions and thoughts are good or bad, desirable or undesirable, right or wrong? Where do our conscience and moral beliefs come from?