University of Pennsylvania
Ethical Decision-Making in a Social World

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University of Pennsylvania

Ethical Decision-Making in a Social World

Vanessa Bohns

Instructor: Vanessa Bohns

Included with Coursera Plus

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
11 hours to complete
3 weeks at 3 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
11 hours to complete
3 weeks at 3 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace

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Recently updated!

March 2025

Assessments

4 assignments

Taught in English
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There are 4 modules in this course

In this module, learners explore the cognitive foundations of social biases by examining stereotypes and situational influences on behavior. Through an exploration of stereotypes as schemas, learners will uncover how cognitive shortcuts shape judgments, social perceptions, and ethical decision-making. Students will also investigate the impact of situational forces on behavior, confronting the pervasive influence of stereotypes, the fundamental attribution error, and empathy gaps. By exploring the balance between cognitive efficiency and ethical accuracy, learners will critically assess their own decision-making processes in social contexts.

What's included

12 videos1 assignment3 discussion prompts

In Module 2, learners explore the profound effects of social influence on ethical decision-making and behavior. This module examines conformity and compliance, uncovering the subtle ways that social norms, behavioral contagion, and interpersonal pressures shape ethical actions. Students learn how individuals often underestimate the power of social influences, leading to unintended ethical compromises, and discover strategies to resist unethical conformity and compliance in their daily lives.

What's included

9 videos1 assignment3 discussion prompts

Module 3 explores the crucial role of emotions in ethical decision-making and moral judgments. This module addresses how moral emotions—including other-condemning emotions (like anger, disgust, contempt), other-suffering emotions (empathy, compassion), other-praising emotions (gratitude, awe, elevation), and self-conscious emotions (guilt, shame, pride, embarrassment)—influence ethical behavior. Students will examine how moral decisions often arise from intuitive, emotional responses rather than pure rational reasoning, and how recognizing these emotional influences can enhance ethical behavior and interpersonal understanding.

What's included

9 videos1 assignment3 discussion prompts

Module 4 examines how power and status influence ethical behavior, exploring when and why power leads individuals toward ethical or unethical actions. Students will understand the relational nature of power, the distinction between power and status, and the psychological effects that holding power can produce. This module delves into scenarios where power corrupts or empowers, and explores strategies to wield power responsibly and ethically.

What's included

8 videos1 assignment3 discussion prompts

Instructor

Vanessa Bohns
University of Pennsylvania
1 Course6 learners

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