This course is part of Ethical Decision-Making in the Tech Industry Specialization
Instructor: Daniel Moorer
Included with 
Recommended experience
Beginner level
Desire To Be An Excellent Leader.
Recommended experience
Beginner level
Desire To Be An Excellent Leader.
Understand the origins of human morality.
Understand the meaning of eusociality as it relates to human beings.
Understand cultural effects on current business ethical decision making.
Understand the effects of rapid technological advancement on ethics.
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This course focuses on the theoretical origins of ethics. There are many possible paths, but it seems that ethics found its origins in the early days after the emergence of Homo Sapiens.
The discussion here recognizes that many believe in Creation and many believe in Evolution. For the purposes of this study, the evolutionary path is assumed and the course develops from there. Included in the discussion are summaries from various sources about the time of emergence of Homo Sapiens, the slow development of group dynamics, the establishment of what we now call human nature, and a brief discussion of where we, as a culture, are going – at least from an ethical perspective. This course can be taken for academic credit as part of CU Boulder’s Master of Engineering in Engineering Management (ME-EM) degree offered on the Coursera platform. The ME-EM is designed to help engineers, scientists, and technical professionals move into leadership and management roles in the engineering and technical sectors. With performance-based admissions and no application process, the ME-EM is ideal for individuals with a broad range of undergraduate education and/or professional experience. Learn more about the ME-EM program at https://www.coursera.org/degrees/me-engineering-management-boulder.
This module addresses the possible origins of ethics. It examines, from an evolutionary standpoint, theories about the emergence of Homo Sapiens and its survival instincts, some of which might be considered, in today’s terms, ethical traits associated with the best interests of the individual. It also considers the emergence of the family group and small tribes where a different set of traits were admired and expected; those that were associated with the interests of the group. Lastly, we consider the emergence of larger groups and small societies where societal norms modified ethics even further.
3 videos9 readings3 discussion prompts
This module goes further than Lesson 1, examining the concept of eusociality that describes traits that define exceptionally successful species. Further, we examine the concept of social evolution. From both of these discussions, one may draw further conclusions about the human ethical makeup and why we operate the way we do.
2 videos5 readings2 discussion prompts
This module builds on the two previous ones, drawing conclusions about human nature. Having a better understanding of how, perhaps, we came to be who we are today may help a leader to better understand the people who work with them and why they operate the way they do. Moreover, the leader may begin to understand that each person has conflicting traits: some concerned with individual survival (selfishness), and some concerned with the well-being of the organization (altruistic).
3 videos5 readings1 peer review3 discussion prompts
CU Boulder is a dynamic community of scholars and learners on one of the most spectacular college campuses in the country. As one of 34 U.S. public institutions in the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU), we have a proud tradition of academic excellence, with five Nobel laureates and more than 50 members of prestigious academic academies.
University of Colorado Boulder
Specialization
University of Colorado Boulder
Course
University of Colorado Boulder
Course
Northeastern University
Course
This course is part of the following degree program(s) offered by University of Colorado Boulder. If you are admitted and enroll, your completed coursework may count toward your degree learning and your progress can transfer with you.¹
University of Colorado Boulder
Degree · 24 months
¹Successful application and enrollment are required. Eligibility requirements apply. Each institution determines the number of credits recognized by completing this content that may count towards degree requirements, considering any existing credits you may have. Click on a specific course for more information.
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