Moral Philosophy P2 Flashcards
What is the view that the morality of actions depends entirely on their consequences?
Consequentialism
Consequentialism evaluates the rightness or wrongness of actions based on their outcomes.
What is deontology?
The view that some actions are wrong in and of themselves, regardless of their consequences.
Deontological ethics focuses on the inherent morality of actions rather than their results.
Name a famous consequentialist philosopher.
Jeremy Bentham
Bentham is known for his principle of utility and the greatest happiness principle.
Name a famous deontologist philosopher.
Immanuel Kant
Kant is recognized for his ethical framework that emphasizes duty and moral laws.
What is Bentham’s ‘greatest happiness principle’?
It is the greatest happiness of the greatest number that is the measure of right and wrong.
This principle suggests that actions are right if they promote overall happiness.
What is Kant’s ‘categorical imperative’?
Never treat a person as a mere means to an end, but also as an end in themselves.
This principle emphasizes respect for individuals and their inherent worth.
What might a consequentialist say about organ markets?
They should be legal if they result in more transplants and save more lives.
Consequentialists focus on the outcomes, prioritizing the benefits to society.
Give a deontological objection to organ markets.
Buying and selling body parts cheapens human life.
Deontologists argue that human dignity should not be compromised for financial gain.
What might a consequentialist say about cyborgs and human enhancement?
It should be permitted if it brings about the greatest happiness for the greatest number.
This view supports enhancements that benefit society as a whole.
Give a deontological objection to cyborgs and human enhancement.
Cognitive enhancements might undermine our autonomy.
Deontologists may argue that reliance on enhancements could diminish personal responsibility.
What are autonomous weapons systems (AWS)?
Weapons that can select and engage targets without the intervention of a human operator.
AWS are designed to operate independently, raising ethical concerns about their use.
Give an argument in favour of developing autonomous weapons systems (AWS).
AWS reduce deaths; AWS don’t make mistakes or commit war crimes; AWS may need to use less force to achieve military objectives.
Proponents argue that AWS can improve operational efficiency and reduce human casualties.
What is a consequentialist argument against developing autonomous weapons systems (AWS)?
They might misidentify targets.
Errors in target identification can lead to unintended harm and suffering.
Give a deontological argument against developing autonomous weapons systems (AWS).
Robots can’t appreciate the value of human life; robots can’t take moral responsibility for their actions.
Deontologists argue that moral responsibility and understanding of life are essential in warfare.
