PHILOSOPHERS Flashcards
Utilitarianism
Philosophers: Jeremy Bentham, John Stuart Mill; Definition: Focuses on the consequences of actions, aiming to maximize overall happiness or pleasure; Case Study India: The implementation of public health policies like the National Immunization Programme, which aims to maximize health benefits for the largest number of people.
Deontological Ethics
Philosophers: Immanuel Kant; Definition: Emphasizes duties and rules, where the morality of an action is based on adherence to rules rather than outcomes; Case Study India: The Right to Information Act (RTI) which upholds the principle of transparency and accountability in governance.
Virtue Ethics
Philosophers: Aristotle; Definition: Centers on the character and virtues of the moral agent, focusing on developing good character traits; Case Study India: The emphasis on virtues like honesty and integrity in leadership programs and anti-corruption campaigns.
Ethical Egoism
Philosophers: Ayn Rand; Definition: Argues that individuals should act in their own self-interest, believing that this leads to the best outcome for everyone; Case Study India: Entrepreneurial ventures and self-startups in India, where individuals act in their self-interest to achieve personal and economic growth.
Social Contract Theory
Philosophers: Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, Jean-Jacques Rousseau; Definition: Posits that moral and political obligations are dependent upon a contract or agreement among individuals to form a society; Case Study India: The Indian Constitution as a social contract that defines the rights and responsibilities of citizens and the state.
Divine Command Theory
Philosophers: Various Theologians; Definition: Claims that moral values are determined by God’s commands and that ethical obligations are based on religious doctrines; Case Study India: The influence of Hindu scriptures, such as the Bhagavad Gita, on ethical and moral decision-making in various aspects of life.
Care Ethics
Philosophers: Carol Gilligan, Nel Noddings; Definition: Focuses on the importance of care and relationships in ethical decision-making, emphasizing empathy and compassion; Case Study India: The role of NGOs like the Akshaya Patra Foundation, which provides mid-day meals to school children with a focus on care and compassion.
Contractarianism
Philosophers: John Rawls; Definition: Argues that moral norms derive from the idea of a social contract, where rational individuals agree on rules for mutual benefit; Case Study India: The implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) which represents an agreement among states to unify the tax system for mutual economic benefit.
Moral Relativism
Philosophers: Various Philosophers; Definition: Holds that moral judgments and ethical standards are relative to cultural, individual, or societal contexts; Case Study India: The diverse cultural practices and traditions across India, such as regional festivals and rituals, which reflect moral relativism.
Existentialist Ethics
Philosophers: Jean-Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir; Definition: Focuses on individual freedom, responsibility, and the creation of one’s own values in a seemingly indifferent universe; Case Study India: The personal journeys of individuals like Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, who defined their own values and purpose despite societal expectations.
Natural Law Theory
Philosophers: Thomas Aquinas; Definition: Claims that moral principles are derived from human nature and can be understood through reason and observation of the natural world; Case Study India: The legal principles enshrined in the Indian Constitution that reflect natural law concepts such as human rights and justice.
Hedonism
Philosophers: Epicurus; Definition: Asserts that pleasure or happiness is the highest good and that ethical actions are those that increase pleasure or reduce pain; Case Study India: The rise of wellness and lifestyle industries in India, including yoga and meditation practices aimed at enhancing personal pleasure and well-being.
Utilitarianism of Preferences
Philosophers: R.M. Hare; Definition: A version of utilitarianism that emphasizes the satisfaction of individual preferences or desires rather than overall happiness; Case Study India: Consumer rights movements and the emphasis on satisfying individual preferences through the Consumer Protection Act.
Pluralistic Deontology
Philosophers: W.D. Ross; Definition: Holds that there are multiple moral principles that should be balanced and respected, rather than a single overarching rule; Case Study India: The balancing of competing rights and duties in the Indian legal system, such as the right to freedom of speech versus the right to privacy.
Subjectivism
Philosophers: David Hume; Definition: Posits that moral judgments are based on individual feelings and attitudes rather than objective truths; Case Study India: The diverse opinions and personal attitudes towards social issues like caste and gender equality across different regions.