Ethical Theories

Question 1

Natural Moral Law - Definition

Answer 1

A deontological ethical theory that suggests moral laws are derived from human nature and reason

Question 2

Natural Moral Law - Significance

Answer 2

• Healthcare ethics (preserving life and providing care)
• Social Justice (fostering community and equality)

Question 3

Key Principles of Natural Moral Law

Answer 3

1. Preservation of life
2. Reproduction
3. Education
4. Living in society
5. Worshipping God

Question 4

Natural Moral Law - Strengths

Answer 4

1. Provides clear and universal laws
2. Aligns morality with reason and human purpose
3. Offers a clear objective basis for ethics

Question 5

Natural Moral Law - Weaknesses

Answer 5

1. Assumes all humans have the same purpose
2. Can lead to rigid and outdated rules
3. Relies heavily on the belief of God, which some may not follow

Question 6

What is the principle of utility in Utilitarianism?

Answer 6

The idea that actions should aim to maximise happiness or pleasure for the greatest number of people

Question 7

What is hedonism in ethics?

Answer 7

Hedonism is the philosophical belief that the highest good is pleasure or happiness, and the ultimate goal of life is to maximise pleasure and minimise pain

Question 8

What did Jeremy Bentham contribute to Utilitarianism?

Answer 8

Bentham is considered the founder of act utilitarianism. His core contribution was the greatest happiness principle, which holds that actions are morally right if they promote the greatest happiness for greatest number

Question 9

What is Act Utilitarianism?

Answer 9

Form of Utilitarianism that evaluates each individual action based on its ability to maximise happiness or pleasure

Question 10

What is Rule Utilitarianism?

Answer 10

Rule Utilitarianism, developed by Mill, focuses on the adherence that rules followed lead to the greatest happiness for the greatest number

Question 11

What is Preference Utilitarianism?

Answer 11

Asks what will best satisfy the preferences of interests of individuals, emphasises the importance of considering the well-being of sentient beings

Question 12

What are the strengths of Utulitarianism?

Answer 12

1. Practical and Outcome-Oriented: Utilitarianism provides a clear, systematic way to evaluate actions based on consequences
   2: Focus on Happiness: The theory evaluates human well-being and the promotion of happiness for the greatest number
2. Appeal to Rationality: Encourages rational decision-making, assessing actions through the lens of objective consequences

Question 13

What are the weaknesses of Utilitarianism?

Answer 13

1. Justification of Harmful Actions: It can justify harmful actions, such as violating individual rights/freedoms
2. Difficult to Apply: The calculation of pleasure and pain can be impractical to use
3. Overlooks Justice and Rights: By focusing on consequences, utilitarianism might ignore issues of justice, fairness and individual rights

Question 14

Situation Ethics

Answer 14

• Moral principles can be disregarded in certain situations, especially love
• Developed by Joseph Fletcher

Question 15

Situation Ethics - Strengths

Answer 15

• Flexible
• Compassionate

Question 16

Situation Ethics - Weaknesses

Answer 16

• Lacks clear boundaries
• Subjective

Question 17

Virtue Ethics

Answer 17

• Developed by Aristotle
• ## Focuses on character and virtues rather than actions

Question 18

Virtue Ethics - Strengths

Answer 18

• Holistic (interconnected)
• Encourages personal growth

Question 19

Virtue Ethics - Weaknesses

Answer 19

• Vague
• Culture dependent