In this episode of the Philosophy 101 series, we embark on an accessible exploration of ethics, one of philosophy's central branches. Host Paul and an AI discuss what ethics is at its core—the study of how we should act, what is right and wrong, and the frameworks people use to make moral decisions. The conversation unpacks the main ethical theories, including consequentialism, deontology, virtue ethics, care ethics, and contractarianism, illuminating how these approaches differ in their philosophical foundations and practical applications.

Listeners will gain insight into widely used moral frameworks, such as utilitarianism (common in Western public policy), deontological ethics (influential in legal systems like Germany’s), Confucian ethics (shaping social structures in East Asia), and Islamic ethics (grounded in religious authority). The episode clarifies how these frameworks relate to cultural and societal norms, individual rights, and duties, helping listeners connect abstract moral theories to real-world practices.

By the end, you'll have a clear high-level understanding of ethics as a philosophical discipline, how it builds upon epistemology and metaphysics, and why different societies may develop distinct approaches to what constitutes right action. This foundational overview sets the stage for future deep-dives into specific philosophical and ethical dilemmas.

🎙️ Hosted by Paul at Talking to AI — where real people, real problems, and real conversations meet artificial intelligence.