application of ethical theories: lying + theft Flashcards
What would NML say about theft in terms of precepts?
Theft breaches P.P - live in an ordered society
Cont. to S.P. do not steal - reinforced by divine law in form of Commandments
What exception might Aquinas give for theft? What would P.P say about this?
In case of a starving man stealing food from someone who had plenty
P.P preserve life would take priority over ordered society
What would proportionalism say about Aquinas’ exception of theft?
- Agree w Aquinas bc intention behind it would be good
- Disvalue of saving life is prop. greater than disvalue of injustice to victim of theft
What would Fletcher say about theft?
Consider christian teachings but wouldn’t feel bound
What points would Fletcher make regarding theft?
- Interest of ppl take priority over rules
- Agape
- Agapeic calculus applied
What did Aristotle say about theft?
Denounced it bc it can never be the act of a virtuous person + there’s no extreme excess or deficiency
Where might Aristotle’s denunciation of theft seem harsh?
Situation of a starving child
What must be considered when thinking about Aristotle’s denunciation of theft?
His teaching was addressed to his own high social class; adult, free males
What might NML say about lying?
Breaches P.P of ordered society + Contrary to S.P. do not lie (divine law)
What did Aquinas view about lying?
All forms of lying = wrong including those intended to save lives
But he viewed withholding the truth as being morally permissible
What exception would proportionalism give about lying?
- In case of a ‘necessary’ lie, intention would be save life or protect from harm
- Saving life is prop. greater than disvalue of injustice to person being lied to
What would Fletcher say about lying?
Neither intrinsically right or wrong; depends on what love affirms in the situation
What does the agapeic calculus say about lying in Situation Ethics?
If app. agapeic calculus shows love would be served by withholding information, then lying would be the less of 2 evils
What would Aristotle say about lying?
Lying contra. virtues of truthfulness + courage
What does the golden mean show about lying in Virtue ethics?
Lying does have a mean bet boastfulness + putting oneself down
