E17: Reality Ethics

Course Overview

CE Hours

3 CE Credits

Course Description

Reality Ethics provides a structured, authority-based approach to ethical decision-making in real-world situations. This course introduces the concept of reality ethics — where right and wrong is defined by reason supported by an argument based on an authority — and teaches learners to apply a four-step framework to analyze ethical cases. Using the EndRight, RuleRight, and CareRight ethical lenses, learners will work through 20 real-world case studies covering a wide range of personal, professional, financial, and social ethical dilemmas. The course develops the skills to suggest ethical decisions and determine the basis and authority for them.

Course Learning Objectives

At the end of this course, learners will be able to:

  1. Define reality ethics and explain how it differs from conscience-based ethics, religious ethics, and ethical relativism
  2. Apply the four-step Reality Ethics Framework — propose an action, assess its ethics, identify its basis, and establish its authority
  3. Distinguish between the EndRight, RuleRight, and CareRight ethical frameworks and apply each to real-world cases
  4. Use the Case Worksheet to systematically analyze ethical dilemmas across personal, professional, and social contexts
  5. Identify appropriate authorities — including social science research, law, policy, and scripture — to support ethical decisions
  6. Analyze and suggest ethical solutions to a range of complex cases involving finances, relationships, workplace conduct, and community responsibility

Course Format and Faculty

Course Format:

Online linked resources and lectures available anytime, 24/7. Includes one multiple-choice exam taken at the end of the course. A passing grade of 75% is required. Upon passing, learners may print their certificate immediately.

Course Developers and Instructors:

R. Klimes, PhD, MPH (Johns Hopkins University) is a scholar and author in health-related research, health behaviors, ethics, end-of-life care, and overall wellness. He has written numerous research reports and books and has held academic and leadership roles in higher education and public health internationally.

Course Time:

Approximately 3 hours for online study, test taking, course evaluation feedback, and certificate printing.