Contextualization
Ethics is a branch of philosophy that studies our actions and behaviors, seeking to understand what is morally right or wrong, just or unjust, good or bad. Instead of focusing on how things work, as in exact sciences, ethics seeks to comprehend the principles that should guide human behavior. Ethics is vital for any society. The absence of ethics can lead to corruption, injustice, and inequality.
In the globalized world, ethical issues take on a new dimension. With the increasing interconnection of countries and cultures, decisions made in one place can have effects in other parts of the world, which obliges us to consider a variety of perspectives and ethical values. In this context, ethics becomes even more complex, as decisions involve not only individuals but also entire nations and humanity as a whole.
The importance of ethics in globalization is evident in many areas, such as economy, politics, technology, environment, among others. For example, the decisions made by large corporations on where and how to produce their goods can have significant impacts on the environment and communities around the world. Or, government policies on trade, immigration, and war also have global ethical implications.
For instance, how should we deal with global economic inequalities? Who should be responsible for combating climate change? How to ensure that technology is used in a responsible and equitable manner? To answer these questions, we need a solid understanding of ethics and its application in the global context.
Here are some resources to help you familiarize yourself with the topic and delve into specific topics:
- Immanuel Kant's Ethics: What You Should Know
- The Importance of Ethics in Globalization
- Peter Singer and Global Ethics
- Ethics and Technology in the Digital Age
- The Impact of Globalization on Ethical Issues
Practical Activity
Activity Title: Global Ethics in Focus
Project Objective
To develop a deeper understanding of global ethics and its implications, as well as to practice collaboration, research, critical thinking, and communication skills.
Project Details
Students will be divided into groups of 3 to 5 members. Each group will choose a specific theme related to ethics in the globalized world (e.g., ethics in the global economy, ethics and the environment, ethics and digital technology, ethics and global public policies, etc.).
The project will be divided into two main parts:
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Research and discussion: each group will be responsible for researching their chosen theme, identifying relevant ethical issues, and analyzing different perspectives. Students should gather (virtually or in person) to discuss their findings and form a shared understanding of the topic.
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Creation and presentation: based on the research and discussion, each group will create a presentation (PowerPoint, Prezi, video, digital poster, etc.) that will explain the theme, highlight key ethical issues, and present their conclusions. The presentation should be informative, engaging, and visually appealing.
Required Materials
Internet access, computer, presentation software (PowerPoint, Prezi, etc.), research materials (books, articles, videos, etc.).
Step by Step
- Group formation and theme selection
- Research and discussion on the chosen theme
- Organization of information and preparation of the presentation plan
- Creation and review of the presentation
- Presentation to the class and discussion
After the presentation, each group must write a detailed report on the project, using the given structure:
- Introduction: Contextualization of the theme, its relevance and application in the globalized world, as well as the project's objective.
- Development: Detailed explanation of the theory applied to the project theme, detailed explanation of the activity, methodology used, and presentation and discussion of the results obtained.
- Conclusion: Recap of the main points, lessons learned, and conclusions about the project.
- Bibliography: Indication of the sources used for the work.
Project Deliverables
Students must deliver the project in two parts:
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The presentation: Students must present the results of their research and analysis to the class in a 10 to 15-minute presentation.
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The report: After completing the presentation, students must submit a detailed report (in Word, PDF, etc. format) addressing the four topics mentioned earlier. The document's writing should complement the presentation, providing more information, references, and reflections on the chosen theme.