Classical ethical theories new
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Classical ethical theories provide frameworks for distinguishing right from wrong and establish moral standards. The major theories include moral absolutism, which claims absolute moral standards apply to all people everywhere; moral relativism, where morality depends on time, place, and culture; consequentialism, where actions are judged by their outcomes and effects; and deontological theories like Kantian ethics, where acting from duty is right. Virtue ethics also emphasizes cultivating moral character and virtues like prudence, justice, courage and temperance. Each theory offers insights but is limited, and they check each other's excesses.
Classical ethical theories new
- 2. Note: Ethical Theories show us that morality exists Distinguish Good from Evil These Theories are normative. Thus create moral disagreements among people.
- 3. Each classical ethical theory has its view about the reality of morality. Each theory gives important truths a bout moral life. None of the theories can claim to possess the whole truth
- 4. Each theory checks the excesses of the other, Thereby showing the limits of each theory . Some theories are consequential in Nature, While others are non-consequential.
- 5. Moral Absolutism Claims that there are absolute standards against which morality can be judged. We can strive to attain higher norms that apply to all human beings.
- 6. Moral absolutism contd Certain actions are right or wrong irrespective of the context of the act. Nothing is relative; a crime is a crime regardless of the circumstances.
- 7. Moral Absolutism Contd Therefore right and wrong are universal truths ( ethical standards are applicable to every body everywhere.
- 8. Analysis: From an egoistic view, moral absolutism condones fundamentalism. This can break down society. This would imply that all people should have the same ethical codes.
- 9. Contd positively:, it allows us to judge the actions of others.
- 10. Moral Relativism There are no universal moral standards; Nothing is good or bad absolutely. Therefore the truth/ moral principles vary from time to time, group to group place to place
- 11. Moral Relativism Contd Every one should be contented with the morality of their time and place
- 12. Two Forms of Relativism 1.Subjectivism: Each individual must act according to what he/she considers appropriate for each situation
- 13. Forms of Relativism Contd 2. Cultural Relativism: Good and Bad depends on the ethical values prevailing in the given culture/community.
- 14. Analysis No responsibility, No blame every body/groups have their own moral standards. Can not Judge others Laws become impossible to implement
- 15. Consequentialism Actions are judged according to the end / completion / effect. Sum total good in actions must exceed the evil
- 16. Forms of Consequentialism 1.Ethical Egoism 2.Utilitarianism/altruism 3.Pragmatism 4. Feminist Consequentialism
- 17. Forms Contd Ethical Egoism: What is ethical is that which produces good consequences to the actor.( hedonists/ Thomas Hobbes)
- 18. Analysis Is it possible to avoid pain? Foregoing sensual pleasure to enjoy higher pleasure; postpone the enjoyment of pleasure Pleasure generalized; sacrifice, duty, generosity.. Etc
- 19. Utilitarianism; Jeremy Bentham & Stuart Mill Using the principle of utility,(Maximizing the Good) Bentham found pain and pleasure to be the only intrinsic values in the world.
- 21. Utilitarianism Contd Man is governed naturally by pain and pleasure. Actions and policies should be evaluated on the basis of the benefits and costs they have on society.
- 22. Utilitarianism Contd Correct actions produce greatest net benefits or lowest net costs. Greatest happiness/good for the greatest number.
- 23. Utilitarianism Contd People affected by actions are stakeholders of the action; therefore businesses should consider all people affected by their businesses as stakeholders in the business.
- 24. Utilitarianism Contd Essentials of Utility Maximizing good Theory of value: standard of goodness: intrinsic values- satisfaction of desires- attainment of autonomy-achievement of deep personal relationships Consequentialism; produce the best utilitarian outcome
- 25. Utilitarianism Contd Impartiality/ Universalism
- 26. Analysis Is it possible to determine pleasure for others? Is morality for the majority always right?
- 27. Analysis contd Can lead to radical actions, infanticide, exterminate sufferers .. Assisted suicide( euthanasia)
- 28. Pragmatism There is no room for absolutism; ethical standards change according to their usefulness or practicability and their ability to produce good effect.
- 29. Pragmatism Contd Good actions are those that work, profitable, or have practical consequences, help solve a problem, and produce positive results.
- 30. Analysis No common Morality One can not be certain of the consequences.
- 31. Feminist Consequentilism Caro Gilligan/ Ethics of Care Men use logic and rules/ laws to arrive at moral decisions. They generalize morality while Women see morality as being entailed in communication and relationships. Morality is particular
- 32. Ethics of Care Contd Men see themselves as guilty for doing something wrong while women hold themselves responsible for not doing something to prevent the hurt.
- 33. Ethics of Care Contd Women change rules in order to preserve relationships while men abide by rules and see relationships as replaceable.
- 34. Ethics of Care Contd Therefore actions that are right are those that do not break up relationships, hurt other peoples feelings; and vise versa.
- 35. Non-Consequential Theories Kantian Ethics Deontology Virtue Ethics
- 36. Deontological Theories Greek word Deon and logos meaning duty or obligation. Acting in accordance to ones duty is right. What are duties? Hugo Grotius ( 1583-1635) and Samuel Pufendorf ( 1632-1694) Duties towards God Towards ones self
- 37. Duties Contd Duty towards others. Family, friends, general social obligations etc W.D ROSS DUTIES ( 1817-1971) Fidelity Gratitude Justice Beneficence Self improvement and Non- maleficence.
- 38. Kantian Ethics/Theory Immanuel Kant : 1724-1804 He is a critique of the Utilitarian's, hedonists, pragmatists, who never care a bout the motives of actors/agents. Actions are duty based ( motive) Right actions are those that are done when the agent possesses good will( a person recognizes that they ought to do these actions) Categorical Imperative ( unconditional/ command- / essential)
- 39. Kant Contd Act only to that maxim by which you can at the same time will that it should become a universal law Universalism Key Issues: Duty and Good will Universalism Treating Human Beings as an End not Means
- 40. Virtue ethics Virtue is a habitual and firm disposition to do the good. Virtues allow a person not only to perform good acts to give the best of himself/herself in every thing. A good person directs his/herself towards the good with all his/her sensory and spiritual powers.
- 41. Virtues contd A virtuous person stands firm in trying moments The choice of good acts produces virtue and virtues itself is the source of choosing to do good acts. Good habits make virtues and bad habits make the vices. ( Virtues= good; Vice= bad)
- 42. Virtues Contd Virtues are therefore necessary for a moral life. Virtues govern actions, give one a firm and good attitude, perfect the intellect, control passions, and generally make it easy for one to enjoy leading a morally good life. Virtues are acquired by human effort ( they are the seed and fruit of morally good acts)
- 43. Virtues Contd Classifications of Virtues. 1. Cardinal Virtues/ moral virtues: Main/Major all other virtues originate from them. Prudence: Right reason-ability to discern true good from every circumstance. Justice: Fairness; promote equity. Fortitude: Firmness in difficulty-constant pursuit of good
- 44. Virtues Contd Resistance to temptations Ability to overcome obstacles. Temperance: Moderates attraction of pleasures. 2. Super natural : Charity, Hope and Faith 3. Intellectual: wisdom, science, art
- 45. Natural Law Tradition Laws of nature govern the activities of the universe, instruct emotions common to man, like love of offspring, self preservation etc ; Therefore All rational persons know what kind of actions morality prohibits, requires, discourages and encourages. It is reason which makes us act morally. What is natural is right/good and vice versa.[
- 46. Divine Command Theory Good actions commanded by God
- 47. Communitarianism Common good Social Goals Co-operative Virtues Community Values Solidarity: community makes the individual and Vice versa Society assigns roles. Therefore what is in line with the common good is right and vice versa.
- 48. Elements to evaluate an ethical act Object /act End/intention Circumstances Evaluation of acts with a double effect Responsibility for other peoples actions Responsibility for cooperating in other peoples actions Restrictions to proper use of the intellect.
- 49. Ethics Deontological Right Action Duty Rights Teleological/conquentialism