Ethics (Minor)
Why study ethics?
We all experience moral dilemmas in everyday life. An ethicist’s toolkit can help you deal with these situations when they arise, whether they be of a personal nature or those that have broader implications.
Why study ethics at Iona?
Learn Ethical Theory and Applied Ethics
Our faculty teach classes that examine relevant ethical issues that touch our day-to-day lives. As such, we offer courses both in ethical theory (such as moral philosophy and social-political philosophy) as well as courses in applied ethics (business ethics, medical ethics, animal ethics and more.)
Individualize Your Program
This 15-credit program is designed to be flexible so that students from any major can get the most from it. We encourage students to curate their program by selecting courses that relate directly to their majors and interests.
Put Ethical Reasoning into Practice
In an increasingly complex world, it is crucial that individuals be able to make informed personal choices in their daily lives. This minor provides the practical skills needed to evaluate the ethics of a given situation, as well as those necessary to look inward at one’s own ethics and guiding principles.
Future-Proof Your Career
Many jobs that require technical training may one day be replaced by artificial intelligence. But even the most sophisticated AI responses require human design, training, and evaluation. As such, the critical thinking skills that we hone by engaging in ethics analysis are essential to job seekers in our increasingly AI-dominated world. An ethics minor adds credence to your resume, showing prospective employers that you have the kind of skill that is irreplaceable by a machine.
Ethics and Career Opportunities
While the study of ethics is central to personal growth and indispensable to navigate society responsibly, it is also a field of study that translates into job opportunities. Having an ethics minor makes you a sought-after job candidate in a competitive job market. You may find yourself offering consultation services to the government, you may be the head of a legal and compliance team for a global corporation, you may even be the founder of a start-up that promotes socially responsible business practices.
Have You ever Dealt with a Moral Dilemma?
Of course you have, we all do! Below are just a few moral dilemmas that ethical reasoning can be applied to. As you read through, identify whether you relate to any of these, or if there are other questions you would like to explore.
- Are there circumstances when you should lie to a friend to make them feel better?
- Should you buy from a brand that engages in questionable labor practices?
- Should a museum display artwork by a misogynistic artist?
- Is it okay for a vegan to consume “ethically sourced” meat?
- My best friend’s partner is cheating on her, do I have an obligation to tell my friend?
- Should you confront a family member who is in denial of an addiction?
- Do salespeople have an ethical obligation to disclose any possible issues with the product they sell?
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