Throughout history, great thinkers have sought to understand questions of good and evil, of meaning and value. As an ethics minor, you’ll explore the ideas that shaped human history and harness that information for understanding and insight. The most important issues of the future, from advances in science to economic globalization, will demand leaders who understand the range of complex issues shaping our interconnected world. Learn to apply one of the oldest fields of human thought to the most current questions from today’s headlines. An ethics minor adds depth to any degree because it offers a unique perspective on issues in a variety of fields; from medicine to law; from business to technology. 

Ethics up close In and Beyond the Classroom

Student examining a substance in a petri dish

hands-on Learning

The ethics minor is a series of courses and electives from multiple disciplines, all of which expand your knowledge and understanding of ethics from a variety of perspectives. In the elective class Cell Biology for the Citizen (BIOL 127), you will learn theories and concepts about the origin and evolution of life, the structure and functioning of cells as the fundamental units of life, and the methods of classical and modern genetics by which disease may be cured and modified life forms created. You’ll explore the social and ethical problems resulting from current and future application of this technology, and as part of class laboratory exercises, you’ll have the opportunity to work directly with cells for a truly hands-on learning experience.

ADVISING AND MENTORSHIP

The ethics minor includes coursework from a variety of disciplines for which experienced faculty members act as mentors. You’ll also receive support from the Ethics Minor Council, a group of faculty from different disciplines who offer helpful guidance in your pursuit of an ethics minor at RMC. 

The director of the program is Dr. E. Harold Breitenberg, Jr.

A group ethically posing for a photo in front of a poster.
  • 4
    cardinal virtues are wisdom, justice, courage, and self-control
  • 427 BC
    the year Plato was born
  • 86%
    of US employees say honesty is practiced frequently or constantly in their organization

Ethics in full Courses You Won’t Want to Miss

(A very small sample)

RELS 262

RELIGION AND SCIENCE

Examine some of the most important perspectives, events, discoveries, theories, and texts that influenced religion, science and the broader societies in which they developed along with changing perceptions of connections between them. While Christianity and science in Europe and America are the primary areas of study, we will also consider the relationship between science and other religions. 

ARCH 320

Archaeology, Art, and Cultural Heritage Ethics and Laws

Who owns the past? Who should profit from archaeological discoveries? Who should interpret the past of a culture or group of people? Learn about current international and US laws that govern historic preservation; cultural resource management; and commerce in antiquities. Consider case studies which have led to the creation of codes of ethics and professional standards for archaeologists and museums.

PSYC 175

Psychology of Prejudice and Stereotyping

Explore the psychology of prejudice and stereotyping with an emphasis on issues concerning race. Learn about modern forms of prejudice and discrimination; how and why these attitudes and beliefs are formed; strategies for reducing discrimination; and issues of special relevance to college campuses.

Opportunities Worth Grabbing

Popular activities and programs among ethics students
Franklin Debating Society members recruit for new members

Philosophy Club

Pre-Law Society

Franklin Debating Society

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Get Ready Discover Ethics at RMC.

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