PHIL 4706

This course is an introduction to the study of philosophy and ethics, and their application to therapeutic recreation and health promotion. Students will consider basic ethical theories and concepts, as well as the ways in which these can be employed to resolve moral issues, in order to develop an ethical foundation for professional practice. The course will begin by briefly reviewing the practice of philosophy, especially reasoning, argument and critical thinking. Next, students will learn about ethical theories, including deontology and consequentialism, virtue theory, care ethics, and ethical objectivity, relativism, and skepticism. Finally, students will apply such theories to ethical challenges specific to professional practice, including autonomy, rights and informed choice, notions of well-being, truthfulness, confidentiality, fairness, equity, and disability. Students will be given the opportunity to analyze theoretical frameworks which can serve as the basis for reasoned ethical decisions, and to develop the practical skills needed to implement those decisions in concrete situations. PHIL 4706 is restricted to students in the Therapeutic Recreation degree programme.