Incorporate films, TV episodes, podcasts, and other media that include plots or conversations related to ethics and the activity of philosophical inquiry as an in-class activity. By viewing popular media, students understand that philosophical ideas and ethical issues are part of everyday, contemporary life. The suggested film and questions offer an opportunity for reflection on why the textual material matters, which can be used as the basis for discussion or assessment.

a. Dead Man Walking (1995) 122 minutes plus discussion time. This film tells the story of Sister Helen Prejean, who served as spiritual advisor to Matthew Poncelet, a man convicted of murder and assault and sentenced to death by the State of Louisiana. As she advocates for clemency on Poncelet's behalf, Sister Prejean must also reconcile her compassion for Poncelet with the empathy she feels for the families of Poncelet's victims.

b. Dead Man Walking presents a variety of arguments from both sides of the debate about capital punishment. After watching the film, have students reflect on the distinct natures of the different arguments and discuss if they agree with the prosecution or Sister Prejean.