modules/module01.txt

MODULE NAME:
Module 01 – Philosophy, Logic, and Intro to Ethics/ESG

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
- Identify and evaluate arguments (premises and conclusions), including detection of formal and informal fallacies
- Classify moral arguments according to four traditions: utilitarian (Bentham), rights/duties (Kant), virtue (Aristotle), care (Gilligan)
- Understand introductory ESG considerations
- Analyze business ethical dilemmas
- Create your own moral arguments in favor of a business decision

KEY POINTS:
• Arguments have premises (reasons) and conclusions (claims). Valid arguments have logical structure; sound arguments are valid AND have true premises.
• Formal fallacies: Errors in logical structure (affirming the consequent, denying the antecedent).
• Informal fallacies: Errors in reasoning (ad hominem, straw man, false dilemma, appeal to authority, slippery slope).
• Utilitarian ethics (Bentham/Mill): Right action = greatest good for greatest number. Focus on consequences and outcomes.
• Rights/duties ethics (Kant): Right action = follows universal moral rules and treats people as ends, not means. Focus on principles and duties.
• Virtue ethics (Aristotle): Right action = what a virtuous person would do. Focus on character and excellence.
• Care ethics (Gilligan): Right action = maintains relationships and responds to needs. Focus on context and connection.
• ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance): Framework for evaluating business decisions beyond profit - considers stakeholder impact, sustainability, fairness, and long-term value creation.