Philosophy 119 (PHIL119): Ethical Leadership
What makes a leader? In the realms of politics, business, and society especially we look to our leaders and demand that they not only be expert as leaders, but we also demand that they posses integrity and honesty. We hold our leaders to a higher standard than we do so-called “private citizens.” Is there one set of moral constraints on leaders and one on followers? What does this have to do with our sense of virtue, of democracy, and of justice? Particularly for those who will enter the business world, it is vital to understand what is expected of a moral leader and how the moral qualities of a leader play into his or her effectiveness or ability to lead. Given the hierarchical nature of business and corporate society, we are often simultaneously in the position of a leader and a follower. What tensions does this create, and how do we try to think these roles in a moral sense?
There are leaders and followers in all realms of human activity. However, some ethical principles may not carry over from one to another. Are there different standards that we apply to leaders in business than in the military? In politics than in education? In religion than in commerce?
What will I learn in this course?
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
1. Elucidate and apply several traditional theories of leadership
2. Apply ethical principles to leadership situations
3. Understand the role of ethics in leadership in various disciplines
This course meets the General Education Humanities(GH) requirements. See your advisor if you have questions about how this course can be used in your program of study.
Are there any prerequisites for this course?
No specific classes are required before taking PHIL119.
I've never taken an online course before. What is it like?
This course is taught completely online. We'll use Penn State's course management system, ANGEL, for PHIL119, and you will be able to communicate with the professor and your classmates through chat, e-mail, and threaded discussions within ANGEL.
You do not need to come to campus at any time, and you do not need a proctor or remote testing site.
An online course, however, is not easier than on-campus course. In fact, it takes a lot more self-discipline. You must be willing and able to commit the same amount of time as you would for attending class and studying for a traditional course. You must also be a motivated, organized student who feels confident about reading to learn and who is comfortable working independently. If you're wondering whether an online course is right for you, take this short survey to find out more about how online learning is different.
What are the technological requirements for this course?
To complete this course, you must have the following equipment or capabilities:
- Have access to a computer that meets the ANGEL technological requirements.
- Have access to a computer with flash viewer installed
- Be comfortable with navigating the Internet
How is the course structured?
This course is divided into 4 modules of varying length, from 2-6 lessons. Each will include some combination of primary and secondary readings, discussions, video lectures, film, and writing assignments. See course outline.
The course has been developed to promote asynchronous learning. Students will have a designated time period to complete all readings and assignments for each lesson. Students may work at their own pace throughout each lesson but they must adhere to the deadlines as outlined on the course schedule.
Quicktime presentations are an important component of the course. In order to watch these, students must have the current version of Apple Quicktime on their computer.
Where can I get more information?
For more information about PHIL119 Online, see a recent course syllabus. To register, visit the Office of the University Registrar. At the beginning of each semester, all enrolled students should access PHIL119 at the site of Penn State's course management system, ANGEL.
Immanuel Kant (1724-1804)
-German philosopher regarded as one of the most influential thinkers of modern Europe.
"In law a man is guilty when he violates the rights of others. In ethics he is guilty if he only thinks of doing so. "
"To lead is not to order. To lead is to demonstrate, through personal example, in ways that inspire action in others. "
-Penn State's Rock Ethics Institute
Jeremy Bentham (1748-1832)
-credited with founding the "Utilitarianism" school of thought.
Bentham not only proposed many legal and social reforms, but also expounded an underlying moral principle on which they should be based.
John Stewart Mill (1806-1873)
"All action is for the sake of some end; and rules of action, it seems natural to suppose, must take their whole character and color from the end to which they are subservient."