BRDG 105 Introduction to Ethical Reasoning

Bridges will prepare you as a student to reason ethically, exercise good moral judgement and demonstrate personal integrity. Our Introduction to Ethical Reasoning 105 course introduces students to the practice of ethical reasoning, exemplifying the profound concern for moral and spiritual values at the heart of Duquesne's mission and contributing to the personal development of our students.

A central feature across all sections of the course is a common framework for ethical reasoning which provides students a shared vocabulary, a common foundation for future ethics education at Duquesne and a digestible and portable tool to use in their professional, personal and civic lives.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of Introduction to Ethical Reasoning, you will learn to:

  1. Navigate moral diversity and disagreements
  2. Engage moral arguments with increasing confidence and rigor
  3. Think deeply and critically about moral beliefs, values and sources
  4. Reflect on personal moral growth

As part of the Bridges CLE you will reinforce, expand and apply what you learned in an advanced course for the Bridges Ethical Reasoning and Moral Responsibility competency.

Questions for Ethical Reasoning

  1. Consequences: Which choices promote the best outcomes for the common good
  2. Responsibility: What are my duties and obligations?
  3. Flourishing: What does human flourishing involve?
  4. Justice: Which choices respect the moral equality of persons?
  5. Freedom: How do we respect others' freedom?
  6. Context: What are the morally relevant features of the situation?
  7. Expertise: What do relevant experts, authorities, and exemplars have to say?
  8. Commitments: What beliefs and values guide my choice?
  9. Character: Which choices lead us to become the persons and communities we aspire to be?