Throughout history, notions of the good have been a central concern for individuals and societies. Although both philosophy and religion have traditionally been the disciplines which study ethics, ethical questions arise in the whole of human life, and every academic area is to some extent concerned with such questions. Fourteen departments or programs of the college presently offer courses approved in this minor. These courses pursue an understanding and critical examination of ethical notions, arguments, practices, decisions, and decision-making as they investigate various subject matters.The aim of the ethics minor is consonant with the purpose of the college: "to develop the mind and character of the students" and to prepare them "to meet life's challenges with . . . ethical awareness." It does this by offering courses in different disciplines which cultivate students' understandting and judgement about often complex issues of right and wrong.