Ethics Flashcards
Deontology
Make decisions based on an intrinsic good despite the possible consequences.
“Act morally. Forget about the consequences.” - Kant
Utilitarianism
The greatest good for the greatest number of people.
Virtue Ethics
To follow actions that encourage a virtuous character
Consequentialist Theory
Examples?
Consequences considered; grey areas in decision of mode of action.
Utilitarianism, Situation ethics and natural moral law
Non-Consequentialist Theory
Examples?
Duty to act morally; black and white decisions. No consideration of consequences, for moral absolutes are intrinsically more important.
Ethics
Foundational underpinnings of “Right & Wrong” concept. This includes rights, obligations, benefits to society, fairness, specific virtues. They form the standards of how people act.
Morals
Morals constitute manners and character. They are practised regularly on a day-to-day basis.
Integrity
Alignment of one’s morals and ethics. To follow morals that are against your ethics makes you un-integral.
Ethical Relativism
Modifying ethics and morals as we enter different cultures.
The Golden Rule
“Do unto others as they would do unto you.”
The Greatest Happiness Principle:
What is it?
Which ethical path does it come from?
Happiness = pleasure
Unhappiness = pain
Aim is to create the greatest happiness and least pain.
Utilitarianism
The Good vs. The Right? (Utilitarianism)
The Good: worth pursuing/promoting (goals, affairs)
The Right: moral rightness of actions and policies which maximises the Good.
Subordinate Rules (4):
- Keep your promises
- Don’t cheat
- Don’t steal
- Obey the law
Can the Subordinate Rules be broken?
Yes, they can, only when the consequence produces happiness.
What are the forms of Utilitarianism? (9)
- Classic Utilitarianism
- Negative Utilitarianism
- Sentient Utilitarianism
- Act Utilitarianism
- Rule Utilitarianism
- Motive Utilitarianism
- Two-Level Utilitarianism
- Total Utilitarianism
- Average Utilitarianism
