Ethics Concentration

The Ethics Concentration provides an opportunity for a focused study of ethical issues. Its foundation is the Ethics course offered by the Philosophy Department (PHI 4336). On this basis, students are able to take their studies in a variety of directions:

• One possibility is to concentrate on some major areas of ethical concern in contemporary society, such as business ethics, bioethics, or the ethical issues arising as a result of the rapid development of technology.
• It is possible, as well, to emphasize the intersection of philosophy and theology, by examining not only philosophical responses to ethical concerns, but also the teachings of the Church in fields such as social justice and the family.
• Finally, the Ethics Concentration acknowledges and provides for study of the political dimension of ethics, since the good life thrives best in a community that is governed by just laws.

The Ethics Concentration therefore allows students to combine appropriate courses in Philosophy, Theology, and Politics. Guided by his or her advisor, the student will create a five-course curriculum which, in addition to PHI 4336, will include at least two additional courses in Philosophy and at least one course in Theology or Politics.     

Philosophy Courses: PHI 3334 Business Ethics, PHI 4334 Bioethics, PHI 4339 Information Ethics, PHI 5311 Philosophy of Law, PHI 5332 Philosophy of Technology, occasional Special Topics courses.

Politics and Theology courses: POL 3332 Aristotle’s Politics, POL 3342 Political Philosophy and the Family, POL 3368 Catholic Political Thought, POL 4350 Aristotle’s Ethics, THE 3340 Social Justice, THE 3341 Moral Theology, THE 4342 Christian Marriage, THE 4343 Social Teaching, occasional Special Topics courses.

For further information, please contact the director of the Ethics Concentration, Dr. Lance Simmons.