7007.10 - Worldviews and Ethics

7007.10

Worldviews and Ethics

8

According to Faroese law, teachers and social educators are “in agreement and cooperation with parents” to give children a “Christian and civilised upbringing.” This shall be done on basis of “freedom of conscience, tolerance, equality and democracy.” These phrases in the purpose clauses of the laws for schools and for institutions working with children reflect Christian tradition and modern ideals, both having had a major shaping influence on the development of Faroese society. Since social educators and teacher occupy a pivotal role in the development of children into responsible and active citizens, it is of prime importance that they have qualified insights into and understanding of the ideas and world views that have shaped society. They must also be aware of the spectrum of views and values the children they work with represent. The purpose of this course is to help students 1) gain insight into basic tenets of Christian and Modern worldviews, 2) learn to think within the rational frameworks of these worldviews, 3) learn to work with ethical quandaries within the framework of these worldviews, and in doing so, learn why people come to different conclusions in such quandaries, and 4) understand, on basis of this, the role world views and ethics have in their chosen profession.

The topics covered in the course are as follows: 1) Sources and roots of Christian faith in Europe and the Faroes 2) Modern traditions and secularisation 3) Philosophical changes and Postmodernity in the 20. and 21. Century 4) Three basic tenets in a Christian worldview: God and creation, anthropology, church and society 5) Tenets in modern/late modern society, such as meaning construction, understanding of culture, globalisation, happiness and well-being 6) Faith in social and political context 7) Christian ethics: framework and tenets 8) Knowledge, cognition, faith and science in the Middle Ages and in a scientific worldview 9) Views on nature and environmental protection 10) Human rights and ethics 11) Culture and education: Challenges and possibilities in a multicultural society

1) Active participation during class, in group work, possible presentations and the like is a pivotal part of the course. Further information will be given during the course. 2) Toward the completion of the course, students will write a paper in which they explore a relevant issue, considering differing perspectives on the issue and their ethical implications. Further instructions will be given in class. Grades are awarded on a Passed/Not passed basis.

Internal

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