Ethics and Religion

In this lesson we will be exploring the relationship between religion and ethics as expressed on the PBS website - Religion & Ethics Newsweekly

Learning Outcomes

This assignment is designed to address Ethical Reasoning outcomes. These specific outcomes are incorporated into the grading rubrics for the papers.

If you wish, you may click HERE to download the American Association of Colleges and Universities VALUE rubric on Ethical Reasoning

Teaching

In this assignment we will explore religious diversity through the lens of ethical practice. To do so we are going to explore feature articles on the PBS website "Religion & Ethics Newsweekly"

Click HERE to visit the site

Ethical decision making is the process by which we analyze the facts of a situation and formulate an opinion or action to that situation that is in line with our beliefs. Others may come to different conclusions despite the facts being the same; they hold different belief systems. Perspective taking is the ability for us to see a situation from another person's viewpoint. Being able to see a situation from anothers' viewpoint does not have to entail changing one's own viewpoint, but it does allow for empathy and sympathy for that other persons' views. This is a key aspect in the process of problem solving and conflict resolution.

In this assignment you will be examining your own beliefs and how those beliefs impact your ethical decision making...in addition you will be exploring the beliefs expressed in an article and contrast it with your ethical decision making process.

You are to do the following:

  • Find an article of interest in the Religion & Ethics Newsweekly website (you will include a link to the article in your introduction).
  • Identify your own viewpoints on the issue.
  • Identify the religious based viewpoint(s) expressed in the article.
  • Write the paper in accordance with the rubric below.
  • Submit the paper in MS Word or PDF format to the appropriate drop box.

Grading Rubric

The following criteria will be used to evaluate and grade your submission: