Social Ethics

3 Credits · Level: Undergraduate

This course is about the ethical structure of social life. It is based on the premise that much of our ethical life and many of our most significant ethical choices take place in everyday social interactions. We will examine the ways in which social practices, conventions, and norms shape our moral relationships with other people, considering how social life either facilitates or impedes respect, empathy, and equality. Specific topics vary by semester but may include self-presentation, norms of civility, microaggressions, gossip, shaming, contempt, anger, virtue-signaling, arrogance, and honesty.