This document outlines the course content for 6 guest lectures on law and ethics. The course covers the history of ethics and law from ancient philosophers like Socrates and Plato through modern thinkers. It aims to help students understand major ethical dilemmas, apply ethical knowledge to law and life, and develop a sense of balance. Key topics include definitions of ethics, influences from various religions and cultures, and the development of rational approaches to ethics over time.

1. 6 Guest Lectures M.E.Harmsen, MA
UIBE March- April 2012
Chengxin Building UIBE 327,
Thursdays 13.30-15.00
LAW AND ETHICS

2. SHORT INTRO M.E. HARMSEN
 Political and Societal Ethics,
 Business Ethics,
 Philosophy and morale
 Cross Cultural Philosophy
 Business Ethics

3. LE COURSE OUTLINE AND GOALS
 LE 1.6. History of Ethics
 LE 2.6. History of Law
 LE 3.6. Philosophical challenges part 1
 LE 4.6 Philosophical challenges part 2
 LE 5.6 Case Studies
 LE 6.6 Case Studies
Three goals for Course LE:
1. Understanding the major dilemma’s
2. Using the knowledge in Law and life
3. Sense of Balance in Life

4. LAW AND ETHICS EXCURSE:
 Legal Framework of Chinese Government
 Legal Framework of UIBE
 Moral framework Teacher and students

5. LE 1.6 HISTORY OF ETHICS- DEFINITION
Ethics= Ethos = way of life, “ the Good life”
Science of ethics is the philosophical or
religious investigation of a moral order or
morally defined set of actions
Morally defined; a consciously undertaken
action concerning right or wrong in ethical
sense.

6. LE 1.6 ETHICS- DEFINITION PART 2
1. Practical local regulations
2. Guidelines, giving sense of direction
3. Virtues, wisdom
Universal ethics (Confucius, Kant imperative)
vs. Territorial , cultural ethics.
Ethics are a set of standards, a part of and or above the law(s).

7. LE HISTORY OF ETHICS –THE FIRST SYSTEMATIC
INVESTIGATIONS
 Mythology vs Socrates (470-399BC Athens)
Socrates on the myths and the gods. Socrates Anthropology
(optimistic), ethics by teaching and learning the rational
thoughts. Ultimate object is happiness through virtues
 Plato (427-347 Athens)vs Aristotle (384-322). Plato
epistemology is the ratio, or Logos is there before
perception and form; the ultimate goal of mankind in
resembling the design/form of the Ultimate Good. Aristotle
epistemology; extracting from the experiences, we see a
design and goal; the human goal is happiness (eudamonia),
by living a virtuous and balanced life, and studying
philosophy.

8. LE 1.6 JUDAISM AND CHRISTIANITY ON ETHICS
 OT (1500 BC) Ten Commandments, Proverbs 20 v 10 (all
are equal),NT (30 AD) Matt 7:12 (Golden Rule). Higher
morale than just rules; to see a woman..
 August (354-340), pessimistic anthropology, mans
design to enjoy God. (de fruitio Dei)
 Aquino (1225-1274) Epistemology, end of knowledge of
man, but also knowledge of God and goodness through
nature’s laws. (ius naturae)
 Calvin (1509-1564) Protestantism, pessimistic
anthropology, epistemology, but General Grace

9. HUMANISM, KANT AND DEVELOPMENT OF
RATIONAL ETHICS
 Kant (1724-1804) :
The categorical imperative (Do not..), rationality as guide
for making regulations, two sorts of metaphysics for
epistemology.
 A general revival of Aristotle (optimistic
anthropology), but on the other hand „ homo homini
lupus‟(Hobbs), universal human rights in developing
process due to individualism and humanism, view of
law equal for all (Calvin).
 French Revolution 1789, John Locke (1632-1704) view
on government for US

10. ATHEISM, SOCIALISM
 Karl Marx „ Homo economicus‟ and
„ ferfremdung‟ resulting in religion.
 Daniel Dennet, Richard Dawkins, Herman
Phillipse„ The Bright‟ on basing their ethics;
human ethics: these intelligent primates are
fighting for group survival and take
consequent action the enforce the idea and
diligently preserve their whole race.

11. CONFUCIUS (551-479) THROUGH WESTERN EYES
 The Golden rule and Forgiveness, 6 virtues
1. Ren, human
2. Xiao obey
3. Yi law
4. Li good manners
5. Chun loyalty
6. Shu mutual respect

12. SUMMARY HISTORY OF ETHICS-
QUESTIONS TO ANSWER:
 Epistemology- how do we gain knowledge to
make the right decision on how to act?
 Design or goal in Ethics- what is the ultimate
goal for living (together)?
 Anthropology; how do we weigh human
moral actions, understanding and knowledge?
 Two golden rules, to do and not to do.