Session 3 - Normative ethical theories

Question 1

what is the reason that it is easier to pull the lever in the trolley dilemma than to push the person directly in front of the train?

Answer 1

Distance makes it easier to do an unethical decision, thus, it is easier if you cannot really see the consequences or if they are delayed

Question 2

What are the three approaches to discuss ethical theory?

Answer 2

1. relativsm
2. pluralism
3. absolutism

Question 3

What is relativism?

Answer 3

• morality is context dependent and subjective
• no universal right or wrong
• right or wrong depends on the persepctive of the person who makes the decision

Question 4

What is pluralism?

Answer 4

• different moral convictions and backgrounds (as relativism)
• consensus on basic principles and rules can and should be reach (e.e., the universal declaration of human rights)
  –> accepts that there are different positions but assumes that through discussion a common ground can be found

Question 5

what is absolutism?

Answer 5

• there are eternal universally applicable moral principles
• right or wrong are objective qualities
• there are facts about which action is right or wrong & these facts do not depend on perspectives

Question 6

On a high level, how can you categorise the normative ethical theories (think in a graph with three steps)

Answer 6

note: deontoligical ethics are ethics of duties and ethics of rights

Question 7

Explain the consequential ethical theory: egoism

Answer 7

“Am I acting in my, or my orgnaizations’s beste long term interest?

–> an action is morally right if the deicsion makers freely decide to pursue either their short or long term interests

(adam smith)

Question 8

Explain the consequential ethical theory: utilitarianism

Answer 8

“is my action producing more pleasure than pain for siecity in the long run?”

–> an action is morally right if it results in the greatest amount of good for the greatest amount of people affected by the action

(Bentham and Miles)

Question 9

What is critiscm regarding utilitarianism?

Answer 9

• quantififcationa dn subjectivity (value comparison between actions/ options)
• justuce is ignored -> minorities

Question 10

Explain the non-consequential ethical theory: ethics of duties (Kant)

Answer 10

What’s my duty in this situation?”

an action is morally right if it is motivated by a categorial imperative:
1. consistency: action should not be tied to any condition
2. human dignity: action should not use people as means but as ends
3. Universality: action should be acceptable for every human

Question 11

What is ciritiscm about ethics of duties?

Answer 11

• Moral obligation and impartiality vs personal favoritism (eg., spouse,
  friends, loyalty for historical suppliers in Japan)
• inadequate handling of emotions, sucha s sympathy & care

Question 12

Explain the non-consequential ethical theory: ethics of rights
-> principles

Answer 12

“am I respecting fundamental human rights?”

An action is morally right if it is consistent with a certain basis, important and unalienable entitlements that should be repsected and protected in every single action (freedom, right to life)

Question 13

What are ethics based on procedures? -> discourse ethics

Answer 13

How can we work together to provide a mutually acceptable solution to the problem
-> consensus can only be reached if all participants participate freely

Question 14

What are ethics based on decision maker?

Answer 14

the virtue ethics:

• am I acting with integrity? what would a decent and honest person do in the same situation?
• virtuous characters = decision makers –> then it’s morally acceptable decision
• ## virtues are learned and acquired thorugh relationships within a community

Question 15

How do we deal with dilemmas then? (5 steps)

Answer 15

1. get the facts
2. identify stakeholders
3. act with integrity
4. consider the consequences
5. make a decision

-> important to stay: rational, impartial and equal among all people