Ethical Theories

Question 1

Define a theory

Answer 1

A supposition or a system of ideas intended to explain something, especially one based on general principles independent of the thing to be explained.
An idea used to account for a situation or justify a course of action.

Question 2

What are the four theories in law and ethics?

Answer 2

•utilitarian theory
•deontology theory
•fundamental principles
•Case Based Theory

Question 3

What is the justification for ethical theories?

Answer 3

•provide a logical framework for understanding ethical dimensions of human conduct.
•help one recognize ethical dilemmas and provide tools for their resolutions.
•help examine and measure human conduct and ensure the appropriateness and desirability of some practices.
•create a basis for ethical justification in the prioritization of certain outcomes (in times of conflicting outcomes)

Question 4

List the 4 fundamental principles.

Answer 4

•beneficence
•justice
•respect for autonomy (used to be paternalism)
•non-maleficence

Question 5

Define paternalism

Answer 5

Process of imposing a decision on behalf of a client based on qualification,skill, exposure, expertise.

Question 6

Under what conditions are you left with no choice but to practice paternalism?

Answer 6

•life or death situation
•emergency situation (broader term)

Question 7

Why was paternalism dropped?

Answer 7

•it was discriminating against the right of the clients.
•it did not give chance to the client to have a say or voice out.

Question 8

Describe beneficence

Answer 8

•clients ought to benefit from the services being offered.
•beneficence is the opposite of non-maleficence

Question 9

Define justice

Answer 9

Being fair

Question 10

What is the other word for utilitarian theory?

Answer 10

Consequentialism
Also know as the greatest happiness principle.

Question 11

What is the principle of utility?

Answer 11

Focuses on what is the greatest good for the greatest number

Question 12

What are the key assumptions of utilitarianism theory?

Answer 12

•that the proper course of action is the one that maximizes the overall happiness.
•moral worth of an action is determined only by its resulting outcome.
•that one can only weigh the morality of an action after knowing it’s consequences.
•that results should be based on maximization of the good.
•the most moral acts are those which maximize pleasure and minimize pain.

Question 13

What are the criticisms of utilitarian theory?

Answer 13

•that it is difficult to measure pleasure or happiness as an outcome or consequence of a particular action.
•difficult to weigh expected benefit if conflicting actions are taking place.
•utalitarian theory lacks ethical consistency in decision making because it changes with different expected outcomes.
•lead to unjust social actions in that actions that benefit the majority of people may create serious harm to the minority.
•that some acts may be ethically wrong but justified because of the outcome which produces the desired benefit.
•turns into problems when sentiments are involved.
•difficult to apply in that one cannot calculate the effects for all individuals.

Question 14

What is the other name for the deontological theory?

Answer 14

Rule based theory

Question 15

What are the assumptions of deontological theory?

Answer 15

•judges the morality of choices as opposed to consequences of those choices.
•that some choices cannot be morally justified by their effects no matter how morally good their consequences.
•what makes a choice right is its conformity with the moral norm.
•that the right has priority over the good.

Question 16

What are the criticisms of deontology theory?

Answer 16

•theories do not provide a clear way to resolve conflicts between moral duties.
•deontological moral systems ignore the fact that human beings typically have conflicting duties,interests and issues that make things difficult.

Question 17

What is the case based theory based on?

Answer 17

Based on past experiences

Question 18

What are the assumptions of the case based theory?

Answer 18

Emphasizes on case based reasoning.
Its for problem solving and learning.
One is allowed to utilize specific knowledge of previously experiences concrete problems.

Question 19

What are the justifications of the case based theory?

Answer 19

It enhances retention of experiences in the memory structure.
Usable when learning to solve problems particularly early learning.
It is a predominant problem solving model even for experts.
Saves time and is effective
Useful in common sense reasoning.
Management decisions

Question 20

What are the stages of the CBR cycle

Answer 20

1.Retrieve
2.Reuse
3.Revise
4.Retain

Question 21

The quality of a case based reasoner’s solutions is dependent on what four things?

Answer 21

The experience one has.
Ability to understand new situations.
Ability to evaluate.
Ability to adjust to new situations.

Question 22

Why do we evaluate a system?

Answer 22

•to identify how well the system meets it’s intended goals and objectives
•identify weaknesses
•ensure quality
•decision making.(Whether to continue using the strategy,upgrade it or replace it)