This foundation course introduces students to core theories of ethics from philosophy and demonstrates their practical relevance in addressing everyday organizational problems. Initially, these theories are important as they provide the vocabulary with which ethical issues and concerns are discussed and decided. The emphasis will be on the logic of each of the strands of theorizing as well as the relation and possible conflicts between their arguments and claims. Through work on practical case studies, the conditions and consequences of the theoretical plurality of ethical theories will be reflected upon critically. Moreover, this course equips students with valuable skills that are beneficial for their academic and professional future. Learning objectives include the cultivation of negotiation skills and the capacity to formulate clear and precise arguments.

Students will

• learn to understand and discuss basic theories of ethics
• reflect on the different aspects of each theory and compare them critically
• learn to apply theories to specific cases and understand their implications for practice
• cultivate negotiation and communication skills, reasoned decision making and problem solving and other core competencies relevant for key actors in business and society
• collaborate in groups and engage in penal debates to explore and discuss possible approaches to address ethical issues
• develop their academic competencies by improving their writing skills and critical thinking

Participants will actively engage with literature that introduces them to core theories of ethics, including utilitarianism, deontological ethics, and virtue ethics. By gaining a solid understanding of these theories and their logic of moral reasoning, students will develop the skills necessary to navigate real-world ethical dilemmas faced by organizations. The course assessments are designed to encourage students to approach the theories from multiple perspectives and through various modes of exploration, facilitating in-depth understanding and the practice of a broad range of skills. These tasks encompass individual reflection and deep thinking, case research in groups and debating and negotiating. Practitioners inputs will even broaden the gained perspectives.

 1. (15 %) Seminar preparation tasks and active participation (individual assessment): before the seminar you should answer reflection questions on the course material.

2. (45%) Debating session (group assessment): in groups you will choose a real-world ethical dilemma and develop solutions based on ethical theories.

3. (40%) Individual reflection paper on case and debating session: you will write a reflection paper on the prepared case and the debating session where you compare and evaluate different ethical approaches. 

Grading scale

• 90-100 points: Very good (1)
• 80-89 points: Good (2)
• 70-79 points: Satisfactory (3)
• 60-69 points: Sufficient (4)
• 0-59 points: Failed (5)

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