Ethics and responsibility in the contemporary world

Recommended Prerequisites

NA

Teaching Methods

The course combines interactive lectures with guided debates, real case analysis, and ethical dilemma simulations. Group work and individual written reflections will also be carried out, promoting critical thinking, the practical application of concepts, and the development of well-grounded ethical judgments in the context of higher education and scientific research.

Learning Outcomes

This course aims to equip students with a critical understanding of the ethical foundations of academic and scientific institutions, focusing on contemporary dilemmas in research, teaching, leadership, and inclusion in higher education. Upon completion, students should be able to identify and apply ethical theories to real-world situations; assess the social responsibility of science; recognize the challenges of academic integrity and scientific freedom; and reflect on the role of universities in promoting justice, equity, and transparency. The course also fosters critical thinking, ethical reasoning, responsible decision-making, and the ability to design ethical proposals applicable to complex academic settings.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

1. Foundations of Ethics in Contemporary Contexts
2. Normative Ethical Theories and Their Current Applicability
3. The Ethical Mission of Higher Education Institutions
4. Academic Freedom, Integrity, and Public Responsibility
5. Ethics in Scientific Research
6. The Social Impact of Scientific Knowledge
7. Technology, Digitalization, and Ethical Challenges
8. Inclusion, Justice, and Equity in Higher Education
9. Ethical Relationships Between Students, Faculty, and Institutions
10. Ethical Leadership and Decision-Making in Universities
11. Ethics in International Collaboration and Global Science
12. Case Studies and Real Dilemmas
13. Final Project: Applied Ethics in Academic Contexts
14. Wrap-Up and Final Review

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Active Participation in face-to-face classes: 10.0%
Mini Tests: 20.0%
Project: 70.0%

Bibliography

Bretag, T. (Ed.). (2016). Handbook of Academic Integrity. Springer.
Nussbaum, M. (2011). Creating Capabilities: The Human Development Approach. Harvard University Press.
Resnik, D. B. (2020). The Ethics of Science: An Introduction. Routledge.
Macfarlane, B. (2009). Researching with Integrity: The Ethics of Academic Enquiry. Routledge.
Altbach, P. G., & de Wit, H. (2018). The Challenge to Academic Freedom in a Global Context. Sense Publishers.
Shamoo, A. E., & Resnik, D. B. (2015). Responsible Conduct of Research (3rd ed.). Oxford University Press.

Selected journal articles and institutional documents (disponibilizados em/provided via UC Teacher).