Ethical Frameworks Flashcards
What is social consensus ethics
Social consensus ethics refers to an ethical approach that is based on the idea that moral norms and principles are determined by a consensus of society or a particular community.
(In England we love dogs, in other countries people eat dogs)
What is personal ethics
Personal values or beliefs
What is professional ethics
Professional ethics refers to the set of moral principles and values that guide the behavior and decision-making of individuals and organizations in a particular profession or industry.
Ethical approaches (7)
Utilitarianism
Virtue ethics
Principilism
Rights theory (deontology)
Contractarianism
Relational view
Respect for nature
What is utilitarianism
Utilitarianism is a consequentialist ethical theory that holds that the best moral action is the one that maximizes overall happiness or “utility” for the greatest number of people.
Utilitarianism example
Cost to a small number of animals in captivity might be outweighed by the benefit to many animals of conservation research programmes
Utilitarianism example (real)
Deer culled to stop car accidents
What are virtue ethics
Virtue ethics is an ethical theory that emphasizes the role of an individual’s character and virtues in determining ethical behavior, rather than focusing on rules or consequences.
Example of virtue ethics
Not harming an animal (or being vegan) because it’s out moral responsibility to act virtuously ( it’s the moral thing to do)
What is rights theory
Animal rights theory is a philosophical and ethical perspective that asserts that animals have certain fundamental rights that must be respected and protected, similar to the way that human rights are protected.
What is deontological ethics
Deontological ethics is an ethical theory that emphasizes the intrinsic value and duty of certain actions, regardless of their consequences.
Some acts are right and wrong.
You should do the right thing regardless of the consequences
What is principilism
Principlism is an approach to ethics that emphasizes the use of four ethical principles in moral decision-making.
What are the 4 principles of principilism
The four principles of principlism are:
Autonomy: The principle of autonomy emphasizes the importance of respecting the right of individuals to make their own decisions, based on their own values and beliefs. This principle emphasizes the importance of informed consent in medical decision-making and the importance of respecting the privacy and confidentiality of individuals.
Autonomy is dependent on rationality, animals who are unable to reason lack autonomy
Non-maleficence: The principle of non-maleficence emphasizes the importance of avoiding harm or injury to individuals. This principle is closely related to the concept of “do no harm” in medical ethics and emphasizes the importance of avoiding actions that could cause harm or injury to others.
Beneficence: The principle of beneficence emphasizes the importance of promoting the well-being of individuals and society as a whole. This principle is closely related to the concept of “doing good” in medical ethics and emphasizes the importance of taking actions that promote the well-being and flourishing of others.
Justice: The principle of justice emphasizes the importance of treating individuals fairly and equitably. This principle emphasizes the importance of ensuring that individuals have equal access to resources and opportunities and that decision-making processes are fair and transparent.
What are contractarian ethics
Contractarian ethics is a moral theory that suggests that ethical principles arise from agreements or contracts between individuals.
Animals can not do this
Farmer may make contract with RSPCA
What are rational ethics
Rational ethics is a moral theory that suggests that ethical principles can be derived from reason and logic.
- we have a close relationship with domesticated animals so should have higher concern for them
