This course focuses on the theoretical origins of ethics. There are many possible paths, but it seems that ethics found its origins in the early days after the emergence of Homo Sapiens. The discussion here recognizes that many believe in Creation and many believe in Evolution. For the purposes of this study, the evolutionary path is assumed and the course develops from there.
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Included in the discussion are summaries from various sources about the time of emergence of Homo Sapiens, the slow development of group dynamics, the establishment of what we now call human nature, and a brief discussion of where we, as a culture, are going – at least from an ethical perspective.
This course is part of the Ethical Decision-Making in the Tech Industry Specialization.
What you'll learn
- Understand the origins of human morality.
- Understand the meaning of eusociality as it relates to human beings.
- Understand cultural effects on current business ethical decision making.
- Understand the effects of rapid technological advancement on ethics.
Syllabus
The Human Condition and Where Do We Come From?
Module 1
This module addresses the possible origins of ethics. It examines, from an evolutionary standpoint, theories about the emergence of Homo Sapiens and its survival instincts, some of which might be considered, in today’s terms, ethical traits associated with the best interests of the individual. It also considers the emergence of the family group and small tribes where a different set of traits were admired and expected; those that were associated with the interests of the group. Lastly, we consider the emergence of larger groups and small societies where societal norms modified ethics even further.
Eusociality and Social Evolution
Module 2
This module goes further than Lesson 1, examining the concept of eusociality that describes traits that define exceptionally successful species. Further, we examine the concept of social evolution. From both of these discussions, one may draw further conclusions about the human ethical makeup and why we operate the way we do.
What Are We and Where Are We Going?
Module 3
This module builds on the two previous ones, drawing conclusions about human nature. Having a better understanding of how, perhaps, we came to be who we are today may help a leader to better understand the people who work with them and why they operate the way they do. Moreover, the leader may begin to understand that each person has conflicting traits: some concerned with individual survival (selfishness), and some concerned with the well-being of the organization (altruistic).
