Among the eight possible choices of the Philosophy optional themes, it seems that the one focusing on People, Nations and Cultures best encapsulates the very spirit of the IB Diploma. Since every Higher Level Philosophy candidate has to choose two themes from the eight on the syllabus, why not combine Theories and Problems of Ethics with topical issues such as the impact of globalization on traditional cultures or the future role of international institutions in an ever-changing world. Global ethics is, in my opinion, the best philosophical preparation for future responsible citizens, open to new ideas and prepared to face new challenges.
Teaching global ethics is an invitation to bring together different ethical traditions which can be applied to highly sensitive contemporary situations. Would, for instance, Bentham approve of the systematic use of torture on prisoners suspected of terrorist links, in the name of the Utility principle? How would contractualist theorists such as Hobbes, Locke and Rousseau, approach the question of a peaceful international order or the delicate issue of transitional justice in a post-conflict situation? By contrasting and confronting established ethical theories with postmodern ethical perspectives, IB students can make their own value judgements on what characterizes ‘justice’, ‘citizenship’ or ‘democracy’. The study of John Rawls’ theory of justice may lead to impassioned debates and an overall reassessment of the concept of ‘the good society’, in the light of other political theorists such as Plato or Marx. In the same way, no one can remain indifferent to Peter Singer’s controversial plea for a new interpretation of distributive justice, not to mention his ardent defence of animal rights. Productive discussions can be triggered off by a critical study of carefully selected extracts from ‘Animal Liberation’ or the more recent ‘One World’.
