Lesson Plan | Traditional Methodology | Ethics and Will

Objectives

Duration: (10 - 15 minutes)

The purpose of this stage of the lesson plan is to introduce students to the topic of Ethics and Will, establishing a solid foundation for understanding the concept of ethics as a human duty that transcends personal will. This section is crucial for preparing students for subsequent discussions and activities, ensuring that they are aware of the central objectives of the lesson and the importance of the topic addressed.

Main Objectives

1. Explain the importance of ethics as a universal human duty.

2. Demonstrate how ethics overrides personal will in practical situations.

3. Provide students with a clear understanding of the relationship between ethics and will.

Introduction

Duration: (10 - 15 minutes)

The purpose of this stage of the lesson plan is to introduce students to the topic of Ethics and Will, establishing a solid foundation for understanding the concept of ethics as a human duty that transcends personal will. This section is crucial for preparing students for subsequent discussions and activities, ensuring that they are aware of the central objectives of the lesson and the importance of the topic addressed.

Context

To start the lesson on Ethics and Will, it is essential to establish a basic understanding of the concepts. Ethics is a branch of philosophy that deals with what is morally right or wrong. However, ethics goes beyond norms and rules; it involves principles that guide our actions, often requiring us to place collective well-being above our personal desires. Will, in turn, is related to individual desires and choices. The conflict between ethics and will is a recurring theme in philosophy, which questions to what extent we should sacrifice our personal interests for the common good.

Curiosities

Did you know that great philosophers like Immanuel Kant argued that ethics should be universal and unconditional, meaning it applies to all people in all situations? Kant argued that we should follow categorical imperatives, which are ethical principles that apply regardless of the circumstances. This means that, according to Kant, we should always act in such a way that our action could be a universal law.

Development

Duration: (60 - 70 minutes)

The purpose of this stage of the lesson plan is to deepen students' understanding of the concepts of ethics and will, showing how ethics should prevail over personal interests. Through detailed explanations, practical examples, and reflective questions, students will be encouraged to think critically about the importance of acting ethically in various everyday situations.

Covered Topics

1. Definition of Ethics: Explain that ethics is the branch of philosophy that deals with the principles governing human behavior, distinguishing what is morally right or wrong. Emphasize that ethics is not just a set of norms but involves the notion of duty and common good. 2. Difference between Ethics and Morality: Detail the distinction between ethics (universal principles) and morality (norms and customs of a society). Clarify that ethics is broader and seeks the foundations of human acts, while morality is more specific and tied to the customs of a time or culture. 3. Concept of Will: Define will as the capacity for choice and decision of individuals, based on personal desires and interests. Emphasize that will can come into conflict with ethical principles, necessitating reflection on how far we should follow our desires. 4. Immanuel Kant and the Categorical Imperative: Introduce Kant's thought on ethics as an unconditional duty. Explain the concept of categorical imperative, which suggests that we should act in such a way that our actions could be a universal law. Provide practical examples to illustrate how this applies in everyday life. 5. Conflict between Ethics and Will: Discuss situations where personal will may conflict with ethical principles. Use historical examples or hypothetical situations to foster reflection on the importance of following ethics even when it goes against personal interests. 6. Ethics in Practice: Address how to apply ethical principles in everyday situations, such as in school, at work, and in personal relationships. Highlight the importance of ethical decisions for collective well-being and how they can positively influence society.

Classroom Questions

1. 1. Explain in your own words the difference between ethics and morality. 2. 2. Give an example of a situation where personal will might conflict with an ethical principle. How would you resolve this situation? 3. 3. According to Immanuel Kant, what is the categorical imperative and how can it be applied in a practical situation in your daily life?

Questions Discussion

Duration: (15 - 20 minutes)

The purpose of this stage of the lesson plan is to review and discuss students' responses to the questions presented in the Development stage, fostering a critical and reflective debate on the concepts of ethics and will. This section is essential for consolidating learning, allowing students to express their opinions, clarify doubts, and connect the discussed concepts with their own experiences.

Discussion

• Question 1: Explain in your own words the difference between ethics and morality.

• Ethics is a branch of philosophy that deals with the universal principles that govern human behavior, differentiating what is morally right or wrong. Morality, on the other hand, consists of the norms and customs of a specific society. While ethics seeks the foundations of human acts, morality is contextual and tied to the customs of a time or culture.

• Question 2: Give an example of a situation where personal will may conflict with an ethical principle. How would you resolve this situation?

• A classic example is the decision to tell the truth versus lying to protect someone. Suppose a friend committed a serious mistake and asks you to lie to help them. Personal will may incline you to lie to protect the friend, but the ethical principle of honesty suggests that the truth should be told. The resolution may involve explaining to the friend the importance of honesty and seeking a solution that does not involve lying.

• Question 3: According to Immanuel Kant, what is the categorical imperative and how can it be applied in a practical situation in your daily life?

• Kant's categorical imperative is an ethical principle that suggests we should act in such a way that our actions could be a universal law. This means we should consider whether we would like everyone to act the same way in a similar situation. For example, when deciding whether or not to cheat on a test, you should ask yourself if it would be acceptable for all students to cheat. If the answer is no, then cheating would be an ethically incorrect action.

Student Engagement

1. Do you agree with the definition of ethics presented? Why? 2. In your opinion, is it possible for an ethical principle to be valid in all cultures and eras? Give an example. 3. Have you ever been in a situation where your personal will conflicted with an ethical principle? How did you resolve it? 4. How do you think ethical decisions influence collective well-being? 5. Immanuel Kant believed that ethics should be universal and unconditional. Do you agree with this view? Why?

Conclusion

Duration: (5 - 10 minutes)

The purpose of this stage of the lesson plan is to review and consolidate the main points discussed, ensuring that students understand the importance of ethics as a human duty that transcends personal will. This section aims to conclude the lesson clearly and conclusively, reinforcing the connection between theory and practice and highlighting the relevance of the topic for students' daily lives.

Summary

• Ethics is the branch of philosophy that deals with the principles that govern human behavior, distinguishing what is morally right or wrong.
• Ethics involves the notion of duty and common good, while morality is tied to the customs of a specific society.
• Will is the capacity for choice and decision of individuals, based on personal desires and interests, and can come into conflict with ethical principles.
• Immanuel Kant argued that ethics should be universal and unconditional, introducing the concept of categorical imperative.
• The conflict between ethics and will is a recurring theme, often requiring that we sacrifice our personal interests for the common good.
• Applying ethical principles in everyday situations is essential for collective well-being and positively influences society.

The lesson connected theory with practice by discussing how ethical principles can and should be applied in everyday situations, such as in school, at work, and in personal relationships. Concrete examples and reflective questions were used to illustrate how ethics overrides personal will and how we should act according to universal principles, as proposed by Immanuel Kant.

The importance of the topic presented lies in the fact that ethical decisions directly impact collective well-being and social harmony. Understanding the distinction between ethics and personal will allows students to make more conscious and responsible decisions, contributing to a fairer and more equitable environment. Curiosities, such as Kant's view on the categorical imperative, highlight the practical relevance of acting according to ethical principles in various life situations.