Ethical Theories/Virtue Theories Flashcards
an explanation of some phenomena. (appearances, data, observation)
Theory
Three Basic approaches
1)Value and Obligation: a theory of value provides an account of what things are good or bad. A theory of obligation provides an account of which actions are right or wrong to do
2) Intrinsic vs. Instrumental Value: we might attribute that something is good instrumentally, what that means is that it is good because it brings about something else good. Something valued in itself or for itself, this just means that there is no need to find some other justification for why this thing is valued
3) Consequentialism: this is a focus on obligation, on principles of action. It insists that there is nothing about an action in itself that makes it right or wrong
Invented by Philipa Foot, to test out understanding of consequentialists and reveal other moral intuition.
The Trolley problem
A common example of consequentialists is
Classical Utilitarianism
The only thing that has any value is the subject of experiencing pleasure or pain. This is the only intrinsic value
*pain is intrinsically bad and pleasure is intrinsically good
Hedonsim
The study of obligation also called the duty of ethics
Deontology:
Only focuses on action, but contrasts in that rejects the idea that making action right or wrong is the consequences.
The consequences do not matter more than the nature of the action itself.
The Golden Rule: treat everyone the way you want to be treated
The right thing to do at any giving time is the action that maximizes pleasure and minimizes pain across all those who ill be affected
Principle of utility
Virtue Ethics
Focuses on a person or on character, who you are becoming
It treats the whole human as being as a central concern
Actions are important, but only as a reflection of the whole person
A virtue is a positive character trait
A vice is a bad trait
Virtue Theories Approach
this approach focuses on the person and or on character
Socrates
Did not writ anything down
He thought virtue was a form of knowledge
He believes everyone aims at what they believe is good
Wisdom ends up being the highest virtue and all other virtues spring from that
we should not punish evil
Evil is done by ignorance, the correct response is to educate
once one understands properly, then one becomes good i all other ways
Aristotle
Saw us as natural beings in the world
Aristotle makes the famous distinction between intrinsic and instrumental value
Aristotle sees us as social animals by nature our good life is intimately connected with health of our community and the wellbeing of others
Plato
Values philosophy and its ability to cultivate wisdom
The” Republic”,Plato has the character i the dialogue that explores justice
He poses challenges to the story about Ring of Gyges
Contemplative Life is the best
because it perfects our natural rationality and satisfies our natural curiosity, but can lead to inactivity
The political life
is more suitable for human sociability
Intellectual Virtues
excellent states and skills of mind
