Applications of ethical theories to issues of theft and lying Flashcards
Why would NML being against lying?
- breaches the primary precept of living in an ordered society
- breaches the ten commandments
What was Aquinas’ views on lying?
Lying is always wrong it can be morally permissible to ‘prudently keep back the truth’
What does Proportionalism say about lying?
Lying is ok in some exceptions like to tell a necessary lie to save a lie. The act of save a life by lying can be justified as it is proportionally greater than the injustice of the lie.
What does Situation Ethics believe about lying?
Lying is neither intrinsically right or wrong -> you have to weigh up the situation and use the agapeic calculator and if lying is the best options then lying is acceptable
What does Virtue Ethics say about lying?
Lying goes against the virtues of truthfulness and courage however truthfulness is more than just one virtue and therefore sometimes lying is ok as it may boost your virtues but you must use your practical wisdom to decide that
Why would NML be against theft?
Breaches primary precept of ordered society
Breaches 10 commandments
Why would NML allow an exception of theft?
Desperate need - starving person stealing for family = preserve life
What does Proportionalism say about theft?
If intention of theft is good then it is acceptable such as desperate need as value of life is proportionally greater than the disvalue or injustice to the victim if someone stole out of greed
What does Situation Ethics say about theft?
4 objectives
1) persons needs
2) agape
3) motive and consequences for others
4) agapeic calc
desperate need = yes
What does Virtue Ethics say about theft?
Aristotle denounced all theft as he believed it could never be the action of a virtuous person and it is a ‘inefficient action’
What’s an important contextual point of Aristotle’s belief of theft?
He taught to his own social class (ruling class) who would not have to deal with problems such as starving and focuses more of stealing out of greed
