Ethical Theories Flashcards
Learn different types
Define Ethics
The philosophical study of morality
- a rational examination into people’s moral beliefs and behaviour
- where the procedural process of methodology that we can follow, subscribe and verify to and study our beliefs
What are the types of Ethical Theories
Relativism
Kantianism
Utilitarianism
Social Contract Theory
What is Relativism ?
The theory that there are no universal moral norms of right and wrong
- having our own opinions but it’s no universal
- different individuals can have opposite views of a moral problem and both can be right
- two types: Subjective and Cultural
What is Subjective Relativism ?
Where groups of people decide what is right and wrong for themselves
- creates individual morality e.g racist, sexist
- debating with subjectives is pointless because they always think they’re right
What is Cultural Relativism?
Contents that the meaning of right and wrong rests with the society’s actual moral guidelines
- recognises different cultures(if not =racist)
- has no framework for reconciliation between cultures that one in conflict
What is Kantianism?
Where there is a universal nature of the way laws are proposed
- for moral law to apply to rational beings, it must itself be based on REASON. “this is the law because it will lead to this”
- Kantians explains why an action is right or wrong
- implies sense of dutifulness e.g we have a duty to uphold, if so we get equal benefits
- professional bodies borrow from Kantianism e.g in Medicine, patients shouldn’t be killed often
- EXAMPLE:
Too lazy to mark papers so you make a promise to do it later. If universal, “everybody can break promises” —-> Chaos
What are the Pros of Kantianism?
- Rationable, reasonable
- uses logic so easy to understand
- produces universal moral guidelines
- all persons will be treated equally
What are the Cons of Kantianism?
• sometimes no single rule fully characterises an action e.g stealing food to fed the starving
• no way to resolve conflict between rules
• doesn’t allow “bending” rules. E.g starving child will die in 2 days:
Start charity ✖️
Steal food ✔️
What is Utilitarianism?
Where you are morally obliged to choose the action that maximises total happiness e.g pass a module with no exam
- considers all people affected
- does not think ahead in the future e.g you’ll need a job if you’re not tested
- not concerned with personal good although your happiness does count
- one should not assume that an act is right according to utilitarianism just because it produces more happiness
What are the Pros of Utilitarianism ?
- focus on happiness, easy for people to relate to
- down-to-earth and easy to apply and calculate
- comprehensive
What are the Cons of Utilitarianism ?
- not clear how far into the future to consider consequences
- overkill for every moral decision
- difficult to predict consequences
What is Social Contract Theory?
Morality consists of a set of rules, governing how people are to treat one another that rational people will agree to accept for mutual benefit on the condition that others follow those rules as well
- how most governments operate
- similar to Kantianism in terms of universal and rational process
- differs in where a collective of rational people can accept a moral rule if it benefits the community
- requires enforcement of rules = goes to police or military
What are the types of rights?
Negative
Positive
Absolute
Limited
What are the Pros of Social Contract Theory ?
- can explain why rational people act out of self-interest in the absence of common agreement
- provided a clear analysis of issues regarding the relationship between people and government
What are the Cons of Social Contract Theory ?
- none of us signed the social contract, so not aware of some rules
- difficult to resolve conflict
- may be unjust to people who cannot uphold their side of the contract
