Lang - Schools of Thought

Question 1

Utilitarianism - What?

Answer 1

Utilitarianism is an ethical theory that suggests that the best action is the one that maximizes happiness (pleasure in absence of pain) for the greatest number of people.

Question 2

Utilitarianism - Pros

Answer 2

• Promotes overall happiness and welfare.
• Provides a clear and measurable decision-making criterion.
• Encourages actions that benefit the majority.

Question 3

Utilitarianism - Cons

Answer 3

• Can overlook the rights of minorities.
• May justify harmful actions if they result in greater good.
• Difficult to predict all consequences of an action.

Question 4

Kantian Ethics - What?

Answer 4

Kantian Ethics, or deontology, is based on the philosophy of Immanuel Kant, which emphasizes duty, rules, and the intrinsic morality of actions.

Question 5

Kantian Ethics - Pros

Answer 5

• Upholds the intrinsic worth of individuals.
• Emphasizes duty and the intention behind actions.
• Provides a clear framework for ethical behavior.

Question 6

Kantian Ethics - Cons

Answer 6

• Can be rigid and inflexible.
• May not account for the complexities of real-life situations.
• Sometimes impractical when immediate outcomes are critical.

Question 7

Moral Rights Theory - What?

Answer 7

Moral Rights Theory focuses on the rights that individuals possess and the respect for these rights in ethical decision-making. (ex. Positive vs. Negative rights)

Question 8

Moral Rights Theory - Pros

Answer 8

• Protects individual freedoms and entitlements.
• Recognizes the inherent dignity of all persons.
• Supports the idea of universal human rights.

Question 9

Moral Rights Theory - Cons

Answer 9

• Can lead to conflicts between competing rights.
• May lack guidance on how to prioritize rights.
• Sometimes challenging to implement in diverse cultural contexts.

Question 10

Justice Ethics - What?

Answer 10

Justice Ethics revolves around fairness and the equitable distribution of benefits and burdens in society.

Question 11

Justice Ethics - Pros

Answer 11

• Aims for fairness and equality.
• Addresses issues of social and economic disparities.
• Encourages systems that distribute resources justly.

Question 12

Justice Ethics - Cons

Answer 12

• Disagreements on what constitutes “fairness.”
• Challenges in balancing individual needs with societal good.
• Can be difficult to apply in complex societal structures.

Question 13

Virtue Ethics - What?

Answer 13

Virtue ~ Character

Virtue Ethics emphasizes the role of character and virtues in moral philosophy, focusing on being rather than doing.

Question 14

Virtue Ethics - Pros

Answer 14

• Encourages the development of good moral character.
• Flexible and adaptable to individual circumstances.
• Focuses on long-term personal growth.

Question 15

Virtue Ethics - Cons

Answer 15

• Lacks specific rules for decision-making.
• May lead to subjectivity in determining what constitutes a virtue.
• Can be difficult to apply in situations requiring quick decisions.