PHIL 2120 - Professional Ethics

Credit Hours: 3.00

Prerequisites: ENGL 1190 OR ENGL 1220 or transfer equivalency

PHIL 2120 examines some of the significant moral concepts and issues that arise in professional environments. Topics include significant moral theories, professional codes of conduct, paternalism and informed consent, privacy and confidentiality, discrimination, loyalty, whistle-blowing, individual standards, and corporate social responsibility. This course is designed for students planning to pursue advanced professional degrees. It is not recommended for students in the allied health professions.

Contact Hours: 3
Billable Contact Hours: 3

OUTCOMES AND OBJECTIVES
Outcome 1: Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to identify the elements of a professional code of ethics.

Objectives:

Define the concept of a profession.
Identify a code of ethics specific for a specific profession.
Articulate the details of the actions prescribed and prohibited by this particular code.

Outcome 2: Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to articulate the tenets of various moral theories.

Objectives:

Identify the main historical ethical theories.
Define the terms specific to each theory.
State some strengths and weaknesses of each theory.

Outcome 3: Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to identify a professional moral issue, analyze its complex components, and offer a reasoned solution.

Objectives:

Clarify the difference between professional moral issues and moral or immoral actions.
Articulate a precise moral issue.
Detail the specific components of the issue.
Identify the professional code of ethics that pertains to the issue.
Suggest a solution to the issue in accord with the appropriate code of ethics.

Outcome 4: Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to discuss various moral problems faced by professionals.

Objectives:

Discuss specific issues raised in readings.
Identify the complexity of an issue related to specific cultural beliefs or practices as noted in the readings.
Offer an analysis of the issue and the solutions prescribed in the reading.

COMMON DEGREE OUTCOMES
(Bulleted outcomes apply to the course)

1. The graduate can integrate the knowledge and technological skills necessary to be a successful learner.

2. The graduate can demonstrate how to think competently.

The graduate can demonstrate how to employ mathematical knowledge.

4. The graduate can demonstrate how to communicate competently.

5. The graduate is sensitive to issues relating to a diverse, global society.

COURSE CONTENT OUTLINE

Introduction: Syllabus and Course Overview
What is a Professional?
The Role of a Professional
Private and Corporate Codes of Behavior
Major Ethical Theories
Virtue (Plato, Aristotle)
Deontological (Kant)
Major Ethical Theories
Utilitarian (Bentham and Mill), Communitarian (Habermas)
Moral Sense (Hume, Smith)
Major Ethical Theories
Existentialist (Nietzsche)
Key Terminology
Agency and Paternalism
Reflective Equilibrium
Codes of Ethics
Professional Conduct
Ideal Codes and Actual Behaviors
Codes of Ethics
How to Define Ethical Issues
Issue/Action Delineation
Professional/Client Relationship
Privacy and Confidentiality
Autonomy
Professional/Client Relationship
Deceptive Advertising
Informed Consent and Information Sharing
Professional Responsibility
Corporate Moral Agency
Collective Responsibility
Professional Responsibility
Social Responsibility
Bribery/International Operations
Professional Responsibility
Loyalty
Dissent/Whistle Blowing
Professional Responsibility
Distributive Justice
Compensatory Justice
Regulation, Training, and Behavior
Due Diligence
Sexual Harassment
Issues of Difference
International Considerations
Recognition of, and Respect for, Diverse Social/Religious Customs
Moral Creativity
Formulating Solutions
Effective Leadership
Avoiding Disasters
What is a Professional? - Revisited
Success-What is it? Can it be Measured?

Primary Faculty
Morosoff, Dorothy
Secondary Faculty
Catalano-Reinhardt, Theresa
Associate Dean
Ternullo, Annette
Dean
Pritchett, Marie

Official Course Syllabus - Macomb Community College, 14500 E 12 Mile Road, Warren, MI 48088