ETHICAL THEORIES Flashcards
Ethics and Human Interface
Consequentialism
Essence, determinants, and consequences of ethics in human actions: Consequentialism focuses on the outcomes or consequences of actions. It assesses the morality of an action based on whether it produces good outcomes or consequences.
Dimensions of ethics: Consequentialism considers the different dimensions of ethical choices by evaluating which actions lead to the best overall consequences.
Ethics in private and public relationships: In private and public relationships, consequentialism suggests that ethical behavior should aim at maximizing positive outcomes for all involved.
Deontology
Essence, determinants, and consequences of ethics in human actions: Deontology emphasizes the importance of duty and rules in ethical decision-making rather than focusing solely on outcomes.
Dimensions of ethics: Deontological ethics provides a framework where actions are judged based on whether they adhere to universal moral principles and duties.
Ethics in private and public relationships: It highlights the importance of following ethical rules and duties consistently in both private and public relationships.
Virtue Ethics
Essence, determinants, and consequences of ethics in human actions: Virtue ethics focuses on the character and virtues of the moral agent rather than the consequences or duties.
Dimensions of ethics: It explores how cultivating virtues like honesty, justice, and compassion can shape ethical behavior in various dimensions of life.
Ethics in private and public relationships: Virtue ethics emphasizes the importance of developing virtuous character traits in both private and public interactions to promote ethical behavior.
Human Values
Utilitarianism
Lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers, and administrators: Utilitarianism suggests that the moral worth of actions is determined by their contribution to maximizing happiness or utility for the greatest number of people.
Role of family, society, and educational institutions in inculcating values: Utilitarianism can guide institutions in promoting values that lead to the greatest overall happiness or well-being in society.
Attitude: It encourages attitudes and actions that promote the greatest good for the greatest number, reflecting utilitarian principles.
Natural Law Theory
Lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers, and administrators: Natural law theory posits that there are universal principles of morality that can be discerned through reason and observation of human nature.
Role of family, society, and educational institutions in inculcating values: It suggests that these institutions should teach and uphold moral principles that are in accordance with natural law.
Attitude: Natural law theory promotes attitudes based on inherent moral principles derived from human nature, influencing ethical behavior.
Ethical Egoism
Lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers, and administrators: Ethical egoism asserts that individuals should act in their own self-interest, which can be seen in the actions of leaders and administrators who prioritize personal or institutional gain.
Role of family, society, and educational institutions in inculcating values: It challenges institutions to balance self-interest with the common good when promoting values.
Attitude: Ethical egoism can influence attitudes by advocating for actions that benefit oneself, potentially at the expense of others, depending on the situation.
Attitude
Cognitive Dissonance Theory
Content, structure, and function: Cognitive dissonance theory explains how individuals strive for consistency between their attitudes and behaviors, which influences their decision-making.
Influence and relation with thought and behavior: It explores how inconsistencies in attitudes can lead to discomfort, motivating individuals to change their attitudes or behaviors to reduce this dissonance.
Social influence and persuasion: Understanding cognitive dissonance helps in understanding how social influence and persuasion can alter attitudes and behaviors.
Social Learning Theory
Content, structure, and function: Social learning theory proposes that people learn through observing others’ attitudes and behaviors, which are reinforced through rewards and punishments.
Influence and relation with thought and behavior: It explains how attitudes are shaped through modeling and reinforcement, influencing behavior in social contexts.
Moral and political attitudes: Social learning theory can influence moral and political attitudes by illustrating how these attitudes are acquired and maintained through social interactions.
Elaboration Likelihood Model (ELM)
Content, structure, and function: ELM describes how attitudes are formed and changed through two routes: central (deep processing of information) and peripheral (superficial cues).
Influence and relation with thought and behavior: It examines how the processing of information influences attitude change and persuasion, depending on the individual’s motivation and ability to process information.
Social influence and persuasion: ELM helps in understanding how social influence and persuasion strategies can effectively change attitudes by targeting either the central or peripheral route to persuasion.
Aptitude and Foundational Values for Civil Service
Integrity
Philosophical Basis: Kantian Ethics emphasizes the importance of acting from a sense of duty and respect for moral law, which is foundational to the concept of integrity.
Implications: Integrity involves consistency in actions, aligning behavior with moral principles regardless of personal gain or external pressures.
Application: In civil service, integrity ensures trustworthiness and reliability in upholding public trust and ethical standards.
Impartiality and Non-partisanship
Philosophical Basis: Rawls’ Theory of Justice emphasizes the principle of impartiality, where decisions are made without favoritism towards any particular group or individual.
Implications: Impartiality ensures fairness and equity in decision-making processes, promoting justice and equal treatment.
Application: Civil servants uphold impartiality by prioritizing public interest over personal or partisan considerations, maintaining neutrality in their actions.
Objectivity
Philosophical Basis: Positivism emphasizes the importance of objective observation and empirical evidence in forming judgments and decisions.
Implications: Objectivity requires setting aside personal biases and emotions to make decisions based on factual evidence and rational analysis.
Application: In civil service roles, objectivity ensures fairness in assessments, policies, and procedures, promoting transparency and accountability.
Empathy, Tolerance, and Compassion towards the Weaker Sections
Care Ethics
Philosophical Basis: Care ethics emphasizes the importance of relationships and empathy in moral decision-making, particularly towards vulnerable or weaker sections of society.
Implications: Empathy involves understanding and responding to the needs and experiences of others, fostering compassionate actions.
Application: Civil servants demonstrate empathy by advocating for policies that address the needs of marginalized groups, promoting inclusivity and social justice.
Utilitarianism (for Compassion)
Philosophical Basis: Utilitarianism emphasizes maximizing overall happiness or well-being, which includes considering the welfare of weaker sections of society.
Implications: Compassion involves actively seeking to alleviate suffering and improve the quality of life for disadvantaged individuals.
Application: Civil servants promote compassion through policies and programs that aim to reduce inequalities and provide support to vulnerable communities.
Humanitarian Ethics
Philosophical Basis: Humanitarian ethics focuses on the inherent dignity and rights of all individuals, advocating for compassion and justice in response to human suffering.
Implications: Tolerance involves respecting diverse perspectives and promoting acceptance of differences within society.
Application: Civil servants uphold tolerance by fostering inclusive environments and implementing policies that protect the rights and dignity of marginalized groups
