A Theoretical Origin of Ethics in Business and Tech Industry

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A Theoretical Origin of Ethics in Business and Tech Industry

This course is part of Ethical Decision-Making in the Tech Industry Specialization

Instructor: Daniel Moorer

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3 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

Beginner level

Recommended experience

2 weeks to complete

at 10 hours a week

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

Build toward a degree

Learn more

3 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

Beginner level

Recommended experience

2 weeks to complete

at 10 hours a week

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

Build toward a degree

Learn more

What you'll learn

Understand the origins of human morality.
Understand the meaning of eusociality as it relates to human beings.
Understand cultural effects on current business ethical decision making.
Understand the effects of rapid technological advancement on ethics.

Skills you'll gain

Details to know

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Taught in English

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This course is part of the Ethical Decision-Making in the Tech Industry Specialization

When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.

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There are 3 modules in this course

This course focuses on the theoretical origins of ethics. There are many possible paths, but it seems that ethics found its origins in the early days after the emergence of Homo Sapiens.

The discussion here recognizes that many believe in Creation and many believe in Evolution. For the purposes of this study, the evolutionary path is assumed and the course develops from there. Included in the discussion are summaries from various sources about the time of emergence of Homo Sapiens, the slow development of group dynamics, the establishment of what we now call human nature, and a brief discussion of where we, as a culture, are going – at least from an ethical perspective. This course can be taken for academic credit as part of CU Boulder’s Master of Engineering in Engineering Management (ME-EM) degree offered on the Coursera platform. The ME-EM is designed to help engineers, scientists, and technical professionals move into leadership and management roles in the engineering and technical sectors. With performance-based admissions and no application process, the ME-EM is ideal for individuals with a broad range of undergraduate education and/or professional experience. Learn more about the ME-EM program at https://www.coursera.org/degrees/me-engineering-management-boulder.

This module addresses the possible origins of ethics. It examines, from an evolutionary standpoint, theories about the emergence of Homo Sapiens and its survival instincts, some of which might be considered, in today’s terms, ethical traits associated with the best interests of the individual. It also considers the emergence of the family group and small tribes where a different set of traits were admired and expected; those that were associated with the interests of the group. Lastly, we consider the emergence of larger groups and small societies where societal norms modified ethics even further.

What's included

3 videos10 readings3 discussion prompts

3 videos Total 14 minutes

The Origins of Human Morality? 4 minutes
Transition into Family Groups and Small Tribes 5 minutes
The Slow Transition From Tribe to Village 5 minutes

10 readings Total 151 minutes

Course Updates and Accessibility Support 1 minute
Non-Credit Students: Welcome and Where to Find Help 10 minutes
The Origins of Human Morality 10 minutes
Where Does Morality Come From? 10 minutes
Isn’t Morality an Individual Thing? 10 minutes
The Evolution of Aggression 10 minutes
The Need for a Tribe 10 minutes
Key Components of Civilization 30 minutes
The Transition to Early Civilization Was Difficult at Best 30 minutes
What Happened To Our Species When We Moved Into Cities? 30 minutes

3 discussion prompts Total 180 minutes

Origins of Human Morality Discussion 60 minutes
Tribalism Discussion 60 minutes
Gathering of Tribes Discussion 60 minutes

This module goes further than Lesson 1, examining the concept of eusociality that describes traits that define exceptionally successful species. Further, we examine the concept of social evolution. From both of these discussions, one may draw further conclusions about the human ethical makeup and why we operate the way we do.

What's included

2 videos5 readings2 discussion prompts

2 videos Total 13 minutes

Human Development and Eusociality 7 minutes
Biology or Social Evolution? 6 minutes

5 readings Total 60 minutes

The Concept of Eusociality 10 minutes
Why Did Humans Advance Among Primates? Look to Ants For the Answer. 10 minutes
How Humans Become Social 10 minutes
Causes of Social Change 10 minutes
The Biological Roots of Morality 20 minutes

2 discussion prompts Total 120 minutes

Eusociality Discussion 60 minutes
Arrival of Early Civilization Discussion 60 minutes

This module builds on the two previous ones, drawing conclusions about human nature. Having a better understanding of how, perhaps, we came to be who we are today may help a leader to better understand the people who work with them and why they operate the way they do. Moreover, the leader may begin to understand that each person has conflicting traits: some concerned with individual survival (selfishness), and some concerned with the well-being of the organization (altruistic).

What's included

3 videos5 readings1 peer review3 discussion prompts

3 videos Total 18 minutes

Tribalism Versus Human Potential 6 minutes
The Effect of Culture on Our Morals 7 minutes
What Does the Future Hold? 5 minutes

5 readings Total 50 minutes

What is “Us Versus Them”? 10 minutes
How Do We Get to the Worst Aspects of Human Nature from Being a Newborn? 10 minutes
The Culture Within an Ethical Group 10 minutes
Moral Depravity or Moral Progress? 10 minutes
What of the Future: Moral Machines? 10 minutes

1 peer review Total 120 minutes

Reflections on the Origins of Ethics 120 minutes

3 discussion prompts Total 180 minutes

Human Nature in Today's Society Discussion 60 minutes
Culture Discussion 60 minutes
Leadership and Technological Change Discussion 60 minutes

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Build toward a degree

This course is part of the following degree program(s) offered by University of Colorado Boulder. If you are admitted and enroll, your completed coursework may count toward your degree learning and your progress can transfer with you.¹

Instructor

Daniel Moorer

University of Colorado Boulder

6 Courses 11,553 learners

Offered by

University of Colorado Boulder

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