Program type
Minor
Ethics and Values (Minor)
Primary campus
Sir George Williams (SGW)
Start term
Fall, Winter
Why study Ethics and Values?
Our society faces increasingly complex ethical, moral, and political issues at local and global levels, issues involving humans, nature, and built environments. This leads to an increased need for systematic training in how such issues can be addressed, not merely from a policy-making perspective but also from a philosophical perspective that studies the conceptual, theoretical, and methodological underpinnings of such issues.
The Minor in Ethics and Values is designed to provide a well-rounded understanding and systematic training in the field of ethics, as ethical concerns are increasingly at the forefront of several fields, including social media and health professions.
Special funding for out-of-province students
Up to $4000 for undergraduate programs.
Program structure
Program option
- Minor in Ethics and Values (24 credits)
Students may combine the Minor in Ethics and Values with other programs, such as Anthropology, Biology, Community and Public Affairs, Data Science, Economics, Exercise Science, Human Relations, Journalism, Mathematics and Statistics, Political Science, Psychology, Urban Studies, and more.
Courses
PHIL 232 – INTRODUCTION TO ETHICS
Philosophical discussions of ethics are driven by practical significance (what should one do?) and theoretical interest (what does it mean to say “that’s the right thing to do”?).
PHIL 235 – BIOMEDICAL ETHICS
This course is primarily concerned with contemporary biomedical debates, many of which are of current social and political significance: euthanasia, patients’ rights, animal experimentation, organ donation, palliative care, abortion, genetic engineering, and new reproductive technologies.
PHIL 236 – ENVIRONMENTAL ETHICS
This course examines recent developments in ethical theories as they are applied to questions of environmental practices. Topics may include the moral significance of nonhuman nature, duties to respond to climate change, economics and sustainable environmental protection, and environmental justice.
PHIL 389 – EPISTEMOLOGY AND ETHICS IN THE DIGITAL AGE
This course examines epistemological and ethical implications of digital technologies (e.g. surveillance, artificial intelligence, and big data) in areas such as privacy, power relations, and the generation and sharing of knowledge.
Admission criteria
Minimum cut-off averages and course requirements
- Quebec CEGEP: 21
- High School: C+
- ACT or SAT is NOT required
- Canadian curricula course requirements
- Accepted international qualifications
- International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma: 26
- International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (CP): 26
- Baccalauréat français: 11
- British system of education (GCE):
- A-levels: At least two A-level exams CD or
- AS-levels: At least 4 AS-level exams with equivalent results or
- BTEC: Level 3 Diploma or Extended Diploma in a related subject area with equivalent results
- Additional information for British System of Education (GCE) applicants
- University Transfers (internal/external): C
Minimum cut-off averages should be used as indicators. The cut-off data may change depending on the applicant pool. Applicants who meet the stated minimum requirements are not guaranteed admission to these programs.
Contact us
Do you have more questions? Don't hesitate to reach out: philosophy.fas@concordia.ca
After your degree
With core values such as the fostering of human rights, free expression, inclusion, and respect for pluralist cultural practices, the Minor in Ethics and Values provides students with the necessary toolkit to discuss and deliberate important decision-facing issues, such as balancing between sustainable development, economic opportunity and environmental protection.
The Minor in Ethics and Values supports careers in education, health research, and law.
Other programs of interest
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Department
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Department
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Faculty
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Department
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