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Courses/Law/Legal Ethics

Why Is Murder Wrong? Foundations of Legal Ethics Part 1

Delve into the philosophical roots of criminal law to explore the moral frameworks that dictate human behavior, shape modern legal ethics, and separate justice from vengeance.

Created byMichael Gold
BeginnerUpdated Jun 9, 2026
Why Is Murder Wrong? Foundations of Legal Ethics Part 1

What You'll Learn

check_circleIdentify major philosophical theories underlying legal ethics and moral reasoning
check_circleCompare differing views on the origins of ethics, morality, and justice
check_circleExamine how ethical theories influence legal systems and professional responsibility
check_circleApply foundational ethical concepts to contemporary legal and societal issues

About This Course

Why do societies define certain actions as morally wrong — and where do our ethical obligations truly come from? This thought-provoking webinar explores the philosophical foundations of legal ethics through the ideas of some of history’s most influential thinkers. From Socrates and Aristotle to Hobbes, Hume, Aquinas, and Dostoevsky, participants will examine competing theories about the origins of morality, justice, duty, and ethical behavior.

Designed for legal professionals, academics, students, and anyone interested in the philosophical foundations of law and ethics, this session connects classical ethical theory to modern legal reasoning and professional responsibility. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how ethical systems shape legal frameworks, social order, and contemporary debates surrounding justice, morality, and human conduct.

Key Topics Discussed:

  • The philosophical foundations of legal ethics
  • Socrates and ethical realism
  • Protagoras and ethical nominalism
  • Thomas Hobbes and social contract theory
  • David Hume and ethical subjectivism
  • Ruth Benedict and cultural relativism
  • Fyodor Dostoevsky and divine command theory
  • Aristotle and virtue ethics
  • Thomas Aquinas and natural law theory
  • The relationship between morality, law, and society
  • Competing theories of ethical responsibility and justice
  • How ethical frameworks influence modern legal systems and professional conduct

Your Instructor

Michael Gold
Michael Gold

Rabbi, Professor of Philosophy and Religion

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Rabbi Michael Gold is the author of seven books, most recently a novel The Rabbi’s Sex Class published by ShelteringTree.Earth LLC. He is a native of Los Angeles, CA. Rabbi Gold assumed the pulpit of Temple Beth Shalom in Boca Raton, FL in July, 2022. He is Rabbi Emeritus of Temple Beth Torah Sha’aray Tzedek in Tamarac, FL, having served the congregation 32 years. Previously he served congregations in Nyack, NY and Pittsburgh, PA. Rabbi Gold received his PhD from Florida Atlantic University with a dissertation on process philosophy and Jewish mysticism. He is an adjunct professor of philosophy, religion, and Jewish studies at three colleges. He has lectured around the country and abroad on Jewish sexual ethics, family life, and science and spirituality Rabbi Michael and Evelyn Gold are the parents of three children and grandparents of one grandson.

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