Ethics is a branch of philosophy that deals with questions of morality and how individuals ought to behave in society.
In this post, we will explore a variety of ethical topics and provide conversation questions to spark thoughtful discussions among friends, family, or in a classroom setting.
Whether you’re a student, a teacher, or simply someone interested in exploring these issues further, we hope these questions will inspire interesting conversations.
Questions about Ethics
These are some good questions about ethics
- What is your definition of ethics?
- Do you consider yourself to be an ethical person?
- What are some ethical dilemmas you have faced?
- Is it always wrong to steal?
- When is stealing justifiable?
- What is the difference between moral relativism and moral absolutism?
- Is it ever morally acceptable to tell a lie?
- Is it ever justifiable to break the law?
- Should there be limits on free speech?
- Is it morally acceptable to use animals for scientific research?
- Should there be a limit on the amount of money a person can make?
- Is it ethical to clone animals or humans?
- Is it morally acceptable for a government to use surveillance on its citizens?
- Should we have a right to privacy?
- How do one’s personal beliefs affect their understanding of ethics?
- Is it ethical to use genetic engineering to enhance human abilities?
- How do cultural and societal norms affect our understanding of ethics?
- Is it morally acceptable to use performance-enhancing drugs in sports?
- Should we prioritize the needs of the many over the needs of the few?
Ethical Dilemmas
Here’s an ethical dilemma suitable for an ESL classroom discussion:
Scenario: The Lost Wallet
Imagine you find a wallet on the street. It contains a considerable amount of money, identification cards, and credit cards. There is no one around, and you’re facing financial difficulties. You’re tempted to keep the money to help yourself out of your current situation.
Questions for Discussion:
- What would you do in this situation? Would you keep the wallet and the money, or would you try to find the owner? Why?
- Consider the consequences of each choice. How might keeping the wallet impact your conscience, your reputation, and your relationships with others? How might it impact the person who lost the wallet?
- Are there cultural or societal factors that might influence your decision? How do different cultures view honesty and integrity?
- Discuss the concept of honesty and integrity. How important are these values in your culture, and how do they influence your decisions in daily life?
