Even if we don't realize it, we all face ethical problems on a regular basis. But how can we respond to these problems properly and make better (not worse) ethical decisions? In this TEDx talk, Dr. Michael D. Burroughs discusses the numerous types of ethical problems we face, ways to raise our ethical awareness as "everyday ethicists," and the importance of introducing ethics and philosophical education into our schools. Dr. Burroughs also discusses the role of ethics in children's lives and ways adults can try to understand and learn from children in ethical discussions.

Michael D. Burroughs is a philosopher, ethicist, educator (and beekeeper). Michael received his PhD in philosophy from the University of Memphis and is currently the Associate Director of the Rock Ethics Institute and Lecturer in Philosophy at Penn State. Michael has published widely on topics including ethics, philosophy of education, and childhood. In addition, he has devoted much of his professional career to practicing philosophy and ethics with people outside of the university, including children in elementary and secondary schools, prison inmates, and senior citizens. Michael's forthcoming book (co-authored with Jana Mohr Lone) is titled Philosophy in Education: Questioning and Dialogue in Schools (Rowman and Littlefield, 2016) and addresses the purpose, theory, and practice of teaching philosophy and ethics in elementary and secondary schools. In addition to his professional activities, Michael enjoys spending time outdoors, making music, and traveling, to name a few.

This talk was delivered at a TEDx event that used the TED conference format but was independently organized by a local community. For more information, visit http://ted.com/tedx

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