How to teach moral theories in applied ethics

Area of Science:

• Moral Philosophy
• Ethics Education

Background:

• Debate exists on teaching moral theories and their scope.
• Criticisms of current pedagogical approaches have been raised.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose an alternative method for teaching moral theories.
• To address criticisms of existing theory-led teaching approaches.

Main Methods:

• Critically analyzing existing teaching methods for moral theories.
• Suggesting a pedagogical shift from theory-first to case-based or desiderata-driven instruction.
• Comparing major ethical theories like consequentialism and deontology.

Main Results:

• An uncritical, theory-led approach to teaching moral theories presents significant problems.
• Starting with practical ethical dilemmas or desired characteristics of moral theories can be more effective.
• Students can learn about various moral theories without overemphasizing them.

Conclusions:

• The focus should shift from 'whether' to 'how' moral theories are taught.
• A case-based or desiderata-first approach enhances understanding and critical engagement with ethical theories.
• This revised pedagogy prevents students from seeing moral theories as absolute.