Critical Ethics | X Veritas Collegiate

Course Overview

Critical Ethics challenges students to confront the most pressing moral questions in leadership, strategy, and decision-making. This course explores foundational ethical theories and applies them to high-stakes, real-world scenarios requiring moral clarity and resilience.

Cadets will develop frameworks to evaluate competing values, navigate dilemmas, and make principled decisions under pressure while upholding the highest standards of integrity.

Learning Objectives

Understand major ethical theories: deontology, consequentialism, virtue ethics
Analyze ethical dilemmas common in leadership and strategy
Apply moral reasoning to complex, real-world cases
Develop skills for ethical decision-making under stress
Foster personal integrity and accountability in high-pressure environments

Course Outline (Week by Week)

Week 1: Introduction to Ethics — History and scope of moral philosophy
Week 2: Deontological Ethics — Duty, rules, and moral absolutes
Week 3: Consequentialism — Outcomes, utilitarianism, and cost-benefit analyses
Week 4: Virtue Ethics — Character, courage, and moral excellence
Week 5: Ethical Decision-Making Models — Frameworks for practical reasoning
Week 6: Leadership Ethics — Responsibility, power, and justice
Week 7: Case Studies — Military, corporate, and public sector ethical challenges
Week 8: Ethics Under Pressure — Stress, ambiguity, and moral courage

Evaluation Criteria

Weekly Reflections: Critical essays and response papers on ethical topics
Midterm Exam: Theory and application of ethical frameworks
Case Study Analysis: Group presentations and written reports
Final Paper: Original research or position paper on a complex ethical issue
Class Participation: Discussion leadership and engagement in ethical debates

Study Materials

Core Text: Ethics: History, Theory, and Contemporary Issues – Steven M. Cahn
Supplemental Readings:

Mini Glossary

Term	Definition
Deontology	Ethical theory focused on duty and adherence to moral rules regardless of outcome.
Consequentialism	Ethical framework where the morality of an action depends on its outcomes.
Virtue Ethics	Approach emphasizing moral character and virtues rather than rules or consequences.
Moral Courage	The willingness to act ethically despite fear or adversity.
Ethical Dilemma	A situation requiring a choice between conflicting moral principles.
Integrity	Consistency of actions, values, and principles over time.
Accountability	The obligation to explain and justify one’s actions and accept consequences.

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