Background

Morality is a set of rules adopted by an individual or social group that guides their behavior in society, determining what is right or wrong, forbidden or permitted. Modern man, living in an increasingly globalized and digitized world, faces new moral dilemmas that challenge our pre-existing notions of right and wrong. This project aims to explore this complex territory, analyzing how the morality of modern man is formed and how it manifests in our contemporary society.

In recent centuries, humanity has undergone numerous social, cultural, economic, and political transformations that have shaped and reshaped our moral notions. Industrialization, urbanization, the rise of democracies, scientific and technological advances, and other historical and contemporary processes have had profound impacts on our moral systems. Modern man, therefore, not only inherits a moral tradition from past generations but must also confront and respond to the new moral challenges presented by our ever-changing reality.

The morality of modern man cannot be separated from its historical and social context. Moral norms are heavily influenced by local and temporal circumstances and are subject to change as these circumstances change. For example, the growing acceptance of LGBT+ rights in many societies is a reflection of profound changes in our perceptions of gender and sexuality. Similarly, the increasing concern with issues of social and environmental justice reflects new understandings of our collective responsibility to the Earth and to one another.

To support research on this topic, it is suggested to read Aristotle's "Nicomachean Ethics" for a classical foundation in ethics and morality, and Zygmunt Bauman's "Modernity and Ambivalence," which discusses the complexities of modernity. There are also several digital sources that can be useful, such as the Philosophy portal, with various readings and materials on ethics and morality, and the Philosophy Magazine, which brings contemporary discussions on these and other topics. Videos such as those from the "Philosophy Every Day" channel on YouTube are also excellent resources for understanding this complex topic.

Practical Activity

Title of the Activity: "Morality in the Modern World: A Case Study Analysis"

Objective of the Project:

This project aims to analyze the morality of modern man through case studies. Students will examine real-life situations where moral dilemmas are presented and will use the theoretical knowledge acquired to interpret and discuss these situations. The project aims to enhance critical thinking skills, teamwork, research, and analysis.

Detailed Description of the Project:

Students, working in groups of 3 to 5, will select and analyze three real cases from the present time (last five years) in which moral issues are evident. The cases can address a wide range of topics, such as politics, economics, the environment, science and technology, human rights, among others.

Groups are encouraged to choose cases from different areas to cover the multifaceted morality of modern man. Students will then analyze the cases in light of the content of Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics and Zygmunt Bauman's Modernity and Ambivalence, along with other research sources and their own insights.

The project will culminate in the elaboration of a written report that will address the analyses of the cases and the conclusions that the groups reached.

Necessary Materials:

• Books: "Nicomachean Ethics" by Aristotle and "Modernity and Ambivalence" by Zygmunt Bauman.
• Internet access for research on cases and supplementary content.
• Materials for writing the report (computer, word processing software).

Detailed Step-by-Step for Carrying Out the Activity:

1. Group formation: Students should organize themselves into groups of 3 to 5 members.

2. Case selection: Each group should research and select three current cases that present significant moral dilemmas.

3. Case study: The group should study each case in detail, taking into account what was learned in class and in the reading of the books.

4. Case analysis: Each group should analyze the cases in light of what they have learned about the morality of modern man.

5. Report elaboration: Each group should elaborate a report that documents their analyses and conclusions.

Project Deliverables:

The group should write a written report presenting the following elements:

1. Introduction: The report should contextualize the topic, its relevance and application in the real world, as well as the objective of this project.

2. Development: The report should detail the theory behind the central theme(s) of the project and explain each case study in detail, discussing its moral relevance and how it fits into the morality of modern man. Each analysis should make explicit the methodology used and discuss the results obtained.

3. Conclusion: The report should conclude the work by summarizing its main points, making explicit the lessons learned and the conclusions drawn about the case studies.

4. Bibliography: The report should indicate the sources on which they based their work on the project, such as books, web pages, videos, etc.

The reports will be evaluated based on their comprehensiveness, clarity, analytical rigor, and quality of writing.