Entering An Ethics Course

Entering this ethics course was my initiation into learning how to deeply, philosophically, and critically reason. Although this course primarily focused on environmental ethics, I have learned valuable analytical skills that transcend the topics discussed in class. These analytical skills stipulate that in order for me to adequately form an opinion, I must follow a basic foundation of critical thinking. The essential aspects of this foundation focus on applying the principle of charity, considering various perspectives, and the process of questioning.

Personally, applying the principle of charity was the most challenging aspect of philosophy. Unfortunately, I am the type of person who can readily sympathize with someone, but I do not freely

Although it seems impractical to answer the questions posed in ethics with a simple yes or no, ethics does demand that one picks a stance. The stance chosen should agree with, disagree with, or modify the argument presented. However, it is not adequate to merely define a position. In ethical debate and philosophical thinking, one must always defend his or her claim. As a result, it was imperative for me to understand the importance of considering objectives and alternatives. With this reflection, not only could I clearly define my position, but it required me to think of counter-arguments and how I would respond to them. If I could accurately respond to objections raised, I learned that I could also evaluate the strength of my claims and evidence. Only then could I competently present my own arguments, evidence, and

After all, asking questions is the basis of which all philosophy topics originate. It is the pursuit of answers to these questions that generate ethical debates. However, it is with these debates that an even more critical mindset is required. I have learned that when an idea is presented, I should not readily accept what is being said. This does not mean that I should immediately be distrustful of what is presented, but rather that every aspect should be examined with some skepticism. That being said, all arguments, evidence, and claims established should be critically analyzed before an opinion is formed. Ethics demands that if a person does not adequately defend his or her claim, then you must contend what is being said. Consequently, I had to learn how to appropriately evaluate someone’s position. This assessment is done, again, by the process of questioning. What is the central thesis? What are the claims and assumptions being made? Is the evidence provided sufficient and reliable? Does this person consider objections and alternatives? Are any fallacies utilized? Answering these questions is the initial step in critically analyzing the proposal. Therefore, it is the answers to these inquiries that determine whether or not the author presents a substantial