Applied Ethics Flashcards
Utilitarianism Simulated Killing
Generally fine
- No causal link between SK and violence, just between aggression and risk taking
Act Utilitarianism Eating Animals
Bentham says animals can feel + understand pain
- So if an animal is killed humanely, painless way it’s justified
However this rarely happens so usually unjustifiable
Rule Utilitarianism Eating animals
Animals aren’t morally significant enough and it benefits society (makes people who ARE morally significant healthier)
So it’s justified
Utilitarianism lying + stealing
Depends on situation
If lying/stealing bring more pleasure than the pain it brings, it’s justified
Meta-Ethics “Lying/stealing is wrong”
Prescriptivism: You shouldn’t lie/steal
Error theory: It’s wrong to say lying/stealing is wrong because all moral properties are wrong
Emotivism: Expressing an emotion that we feel lying/stealing is wrong
Deontology First Formulation: Lying+Stealing
Always wrong
It’s a contradiction in will as if everyone lied and stole it would negatively effect you
Deontology Second formulation: Lying/Stealing
Always Wrong
It’s using people as a means to an end:
- Lying: Not giving people all the facts so therefore not protecting their will
- Stealing: Again not protecting their will as you are taking something from them
Deontology Simulated killing: First + Second Formulation
- First: May cause a contradiction in will.
If everyone participated in SK a lot, there would be no one to sow crops etc - Second: Wouldn’t use people as a means to an end as the actors consent to playing the role.
Deontology Eating animals
Kant says animals aren’t rational thinkers, so not morally significant, so it’s justified.
Virtue Ethicist view on Stealing + Lying
Permissible as long as it’s in virtue.
- e.g. lying when not needed is a vice and therefore unjustified
Use practical wisdom.
Virtue Ethics: Simulated killing
Aristotle states SK can be a form of catharsis; a way to practice experiencing right emotions when seeing killing as part of forming practical wisdom.
Eg feeling disgust at gore instead of enjoyment
Virtue Ethics: Eating animals
Similar to what Aristotle says about SK - allows us to practise courage when killing animals.
Justified if in virtue:
- eg JP eating only meat to make a point to the vegans and ends up in coma. Practical wisdom is off, vice of excess.
- eg vegan on a desert island and only food is meat, but they don’t eat it. Practical wisdom is off, vice of stubbornness