Ethics 1&2 Flashcards
What is ethics?
Ethics is a branch of philosophy.
It considers the question ‘what should I do?’
Why should you be concerned with ethics?
Will face ethical dilemmas in practice.
In practice, you will be exposed to other people’s ethical dilemma and decisions - useful to understand their perspective.
What is an ethical dilemma?
Ethical dilemmas occur when having competing responsibilities with no obvious way to prioritise one responsibility over another.
You may feel torn between two actions, each which appear equally wrong or right.
What are two big issues?
Scientific procedures.
Kidney transplantation.
What are some everyday issues?
Euthanasia, wildlife, financial constraints, treatment decisions.
What are the 3 main (philosophical) ethical theories?
Utilitarianism, Deontology, Virtue ethics.
What is the underlying principle of Utilitarianism?
Weighing up the costs and benefits of different courses of action.
What are 2 problems with Utilitarianism?
People do not always agree on what is harm or a benefit.
Can be difficult to estimate the consequences of our actions.
What is the underlying principle of Deontology?
Moral choices should be made following rules.
The rules are followed regardless of the consequences.
What are 2 problems with Deontology?
Often considered too rigid to be practical.
Outcome may not result in the greatest good.
What is the underlying principle of Virtue theory?
Intelligence is not good enough - good character must come first.
If we can be a good person, then we will naturally do the right thing.
What are 2 problems with virtue theory?
We do not necessarily know what a good person is.
The focus is on the person and others can be mere vehicles we use to make us look good.
