Chap 2 - Ethical Theories Flashcards
Man draws from his basic knowledge of right and wrong which he learned through his upbringing, further seeks and examine other available information, critically reflects ion such knowledge and finds ways to apply them in present context.
Reason
This is the strength that require to act. With this, the man chooses to do what is ought to be done as determined by his reason.
Will
Is proposed to be objective, otherwise it fails to set a standard that will guide human character.
Ethics
Motives and actions are morally right independent of their consequences.
Deontological Theories
Is a science of moral duty first appeared in writing in 1817.
Deontology
Greek word origin of deontology
Deont - that which is binding, duty
Greek word origin of deontology
Deont - that which is binding, duty
Promotes the application of universal ethical principles irrespective of the outcome
Deontology
It focuses on the importance of motives or intention next to an outcome.
Deontology
What drives an upright behavior instead or remuneration?
Duty
The 18th century German Philosopher from Prussia is said to be the founder of the classical deontological theories although Bentham also made use of it.
Immanuel Kant
Is defined by Kant, which are universal and are followed regardless of circumstances.
Categorical Imperatives or non-conditional principles
Posits that the moral value of an action depends on the underlying moral rule. Our actions should be grounded by an appropriate moral rule.
Categorical Imperative
Act only from moral rules that you can for it not have contradictions
Categorical Imperative - 1st Formulation
Act so that you treat both yourself and other people as ends in themselves and never only as means to an end.
Categorical Imperative - 2nd Formulation
Duty obliged to fulfill without exception. e.g. Telling the truth
Perfect duty
Duty obliged to fulfill in general but not in every instance. e.g. Helping others
Imperfect Duty
Asserts that an action is right if it protects the individual from harm or unwanted interference from other people or the government while exercising his right.
Negative and Positive Rights Theories
Posits that people contract with each other to abide by the moral and political obligations toward the society in which they live.
Social Contract Theories
This theory is based on the notion that if there is no order and law in the society, then people will have unlimited freedoms like killing another because of too much hatred, stealing money and etc.
Social Contract Theories
Asserts that action is right if it confirms the fairness in the distributive, retributive dimensions of cost and rewards.
Social Justice Theories
The perceived fairness in the distribution of social benefits and burden among the group members.
Distributive Dimesion
Considers the punishment proportionate to the extent of the crime.
Retributive Dimension
Is the way people are compensated in relation to the injuries inflicted upon them
Compensatory Dimension
Rightness and wrongness solely depend on the consequence
Teleological Ethics
Study of final causes
Teleology
Teleology is a termed coined by a German philosopher called?
Baron Christian von Wolff
Latin term of teleology
Teleologica
Greek term of teleology
Teleos - entire, perfect, complete
End, limit, goal, result, fulfillment, completion
Telos
Speaking, discourse, treaties, doctrine, theory, science
Logia
Based on an assumption that a decision is judged in terms of the assessment of outcome
Teleological Ethics Theories
It posits that action is good if it produces or is likely to produce result that maximize the person’s self-interest which the person himself defines
Ethical Egoism
Posits that an action is good if it results in maximum satisfaction for a large number of people who are likely to get affected by action
Utilitarianism
Posits that an action is good if it results in the fulfillment of goals along with the welfare of the human beings. Happiness
Eudaimonism
The actions are said to be fruitful if it promotes or tends to promote the fulfillment of goals that constitute human nature and its happiness
Eudaimonism
Is a classical teleological theory that is widely applied to explain rationality of decisions and actions
Utilitarianism
Two famous utilitarianism authors in 18th century
Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill
He asserted that the greatest happiness of the greatest number is the foundation of morality and legislation.
Jeremy Bentham
Quantity and Quality of Happiness can be measured in terms of:
Intensity, Duration, Certainty, Volume, Time, Future Consequences, Purity
No universal forms of right and wrong. One can be wrong or right based on relative views
Relativism
Right and wrong for each person are decided by themselves. What’s wrong for someone may be right for someone else
Subjective Relativism
Right and wrong depend on a society’s moral guidelines. Guidelines vary form place to place and from time to time. An action can be right in a certain society at one time and wrong in another society or at another time.
Cultural Relativism
Good actions are aligned with God’s will. Bad actions are contrary to God’s will. God revels to man His will which guides man to act.
Divine Command Theory
