Ethics Theory Flashcards
Ethics Theory
Definition: The branch of philosophy concerned with
e h a.
Determining what is Right or Wrong?
evaluating human actions.
3 general Subject Areas
- m
- ne
- ae
- Metaethics
- Normative ethics
- Applied Ethics
Metaethics
What does Metaethics ask?
Key Question 1: Are moral values ET that exist ? of humans or are they simply human c?
- What is the name for the idea that morals are absolute, spiritual, and eternal?
- What is the belief that moral values are human inventions
Where do ethical concepts, morals originate?
eternal truths independently . conventions
- Moral objectivism
- Moral relativism
Metaethics Key question 2:
“What ? people to be moral?”
- ? –all actions are motivated by self-interest
- H- the primary self-interest is for pleasure
- ?- at least some actions are driven by benevolence (for the good of others)
motivates
- Egoism
- Hedonism
- Altruism
1.Are morals the result of rational or emotion?
Give examples.
- Are male and female morality different?
Give examples.
- feelings influence right and wrong
- Emotions evoked by suffering, such as sympathy and empathy, often lead people to act ethically toward others.
- Rational thinking, of course, plays a role in how we make moral decisions
- As parents, we sometimes punish the child even though it may not feel good because we hope this will help the child avoid difficulties in the future.
Normative Ethics
What does Normative ethics ask?
How do we arrive at moral standards (norms) of right and wrong?
What are the three approaches to normative ethics?
- VT
- DBT
- CT
3 Approaches:
- Virtue Theories
- Duty Based Theories
- Consequentialist theories
Virtue Theories
What do virtue theories stress?
What are Plato’s cardinal virtues? w,c,t,j
Question:
Make a further list of virtues that might be included in. Give an example of how these virtues might motivate ethical behaviour.
The development of good habits
Wisdom, courage, temperance, justice
- honesty
- cleanliness
- patience
- respect
- self discipline
- co-operative
Duty Based Theories
- What do duty-based theories believe?
- Often enshrined as R or C L
- Ethical behaviour is a legal requirement for practitioners of A?
- Specific duties are prescribed for members of the Agrologists profession (C of P)
- Question: Make a list of examples of ethical behavior motivated by religion, family or law
- We have a duty, an obligation to conduct ourselves in certain ways
- religious or civil law
- Agrology
- Code of Practice
- R: though shall not steal, murder, covert another mans wife (adultry)
- F: sharing
- L: paying your taxes, do not speed
Consequentialist Theories
What do Consequential theorists believe?
What makes an action morally right under Consequential Theories?
What are the three ways to judge consequences:?
- EE – how will it work out for me?
- .EA – how will it work out for others?
- EU– how will it work out for all concerned?
It is the results of our actions that determine whether they are right or wrong
If the consequences are more favourable than unfavourable, the action is morally right.
- Ethical egoism
- ethical altruism
- Ethical utilitarianism
Consequentialist questions
Give an example of a famous individual whose actions appear to follow each of
Egoism
Altruism
Utilitarianism
Conor McGregor
Andrew Carnegie
Jesus Christ
Applied Ethics
What does Applied Ethics refer to?
Question:
}Make a list of five controversial moral issues that would be examples of applied ethics.
The application of ethical reasoning to a specific, discipline-related and often controversial moral issues
- Capital punishment
- Abortion
- Police Shootings
- Prison Reform
- Pre-emptive military strikes
metaethics key questions:
- }Are moral values…
- What motivates people to
- eternal truths that exist independently of humans or are they simply human conventions?
- be noral
What are the three approaches to Normative ethics?
}3 Approaches:
}Virtue Theories
}Duty Based Theories
}Consequentialist theories
