Topic 1 Flashcards
MOST IMPORTANT
Characterize the four principles approach! Compare this approach to utilitarianism and deontological ethics!
What the terms “ethics” and “morality” mean? What is moral philosophy?
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Ethics refers to the philisophical reflection on moralities nature and function. Field of study or discipline which reflects on morality.
Morality is the object of studies for ethics. In broader sense: beliefs about right and wrong behaviour.
Ethics: 2 types of questions
Describe the difference between normative and non-normative approaches in moral philosophy.
2 approaches to ethics.
Normative: A theoretical, prescriptive approach to sociological studies that has the aim of appraising or establishing the values and norms that best fit the overall needs and expectations of society. Compare value-free approach.
Non-normative: Doesn’t recomend any any particular set of values/principles for action. Describe objectively, e.g. historians about old tribes.
What are the main characteristics of utilitarian theory?
Only consequenses determines if actions right or wrong.
Principle of utility
*Key Takeaways
Utilitarianism is a theory of morality that advocates actions that foster happiness and oppose actions that cause unhappiness.
Utilitarianism promotes “the greatest amount of good for the greatest number of people.”
Utilitarianism is a reason-based approach to determining right and wrong, but it has limitations.
Utilitarianism does not account for things like feelings and emotions, culture, or justice.*
Please, characterize the differences between hedonistic, pluralistic and preference utilitarianism.
Hedonistic: pleasure. utility= happiness or wellbeing. Used to evalaute of actions is right or wrong.
Pluralistic: Many aspects that need to be involved in the utilitarian calculus e.g. friendship, knowledge, health, duty etc
**Preference: ** “seeks to maximize the satisfaction of individuals’ preferences or desires, regardless of whether they lead to pleasure.
Hedonistic utilitarianism focuses on maximizing pleasure and minimizing pain as the ultimate good.
Pluralistic utilitarianism values a range of intrinsic goods like happiness, knowledge, and freedom, while
preference utilitarianism emphasizes satisfying individuals’ subjective preferences, regardless of whether they lead to pleasure or other goods.
Describe the difference between quantitative and qualitative hedonism.
Quantitative hedonism holds that all pleasures are the same in quality and differ only in amount. The more pleasure, the better, regardless of the type of pleasure.
Qualitative hedonism, on the other hand, argues that some pleasures are inherently better in quality than others. Higher pleasures (e.g., intellectual or moral) are more valuable than lower, physical pleasures, even if the quantity of pleasure is the same.
What are the main shortcomings of utilitarian theory?
Too demanding
Relies too much on peoples ability to predict consequenses
It ignores fundamental ethical considerations unrelated to consequenses. Actions can be wrong no matter how good it can be.
What are the main characteristics of Kantian theory? How Kantian theory differs from utilitarianism?
Source of morality lies in rationality.
2 types of imperatives, hypothetical and catogorical imperative
Hypothetical: If you desire X then you have to do Y
Only needed if i want X
Categorically: Do Y!
Kantian ethics focuses on moral duties and the intentions behind actions, judging them by universal moral laws. It emphasizes that people should never be treated as mere means to an end.
Utilitarianism, on the other hand, judges actions by their consequences, aiming to maximize overall happiness or well-being. It’s outcome-focused, so an action is right if it produces the greatest good for the greatest number.
How hypothetical imperatives differ from the categorical imperative? What is the role of the categorical imperative in Kantian theory?
Hypothetical imperatives tell you what to do if you want to achieve a specific goal. For example, “If you want to get fit, you should exercise.” They are conditional and only apply if you have that goal.
Categorical imperatives, on the other hand, are rules you must follow no matter what, simply because they are the right thing to do. For example, “You should tell the truth,” applies to everyone in all situations, regardless of personal goals or desires. It’s about doing what’s morally right, without any “if” involved..
In Kantian theory, the categorical imperative is central as it provides the foundation for objective moral duties, guiding moral actions through principles of universality and respect for others.
What are the main shortcomings of Kantian moral theory?
Too strict
Unrealistic solutions to moral conflicts
What are the main features if virtue ethics? How virtue ethics differs from utilitarianism and deontological ethics?
Action depend on the person and his qualities
Looks at persons life as a whole, action needs be assesed in wider context.
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How virtue ethics is relevant for bioethics? What are the main limitations of virtue ethics?
Relevance in Bioethics: Virtue ethics emphasizes the moral character and virtues of healthcare professionals, guiding their actions with empathy and wisdom.
Limitations: It can be vague about specific actions and may lack clear guidelines for resolving moral dilemmas.
OBS doubts about universal set of values. Whether the existence of fixed character trait is not an illusion.
What is communitarism? What are the strong and weak features of this approach? What are the main features of libertarianism?
Communitarianism
Definition: Communitarianism emphasizes the role of community in shaping individual values and identity, advocating for the common good and shared responsibilities over individual autonomy.
Strong Features:
Community Focus: Stresses the importance of social bonds and communal values.
Balanced Individualism: Integrates personal rights with social responsibilities.
Weak Features:
Potential for Groupthink: May pressure individuals to conform, limiting personal freedom.
Vague on Individual Rights: Can be unclear on balancing individual rights with community needs.
Libertarianism
Main Features:
Individual Autonomy: Prioritizes personal freedom and minimal state interference.
Private Property Rights: Emphasizes strong protection of property rights.
Free Markets: Supports minimal regulation and free-market capitalism.
END QA
Do you feel you understand these concepts?
bioethics / normative ethics / non-normative ethics
utilitarianism / quantitative utilitarianism / qualitative utilitarianism / act utilitarianism / rule utilitarianism
duty ethics / deontology / Kantian ethics / categorical imperative
virtue ethics / virtue / golden mean in ethics
communitarianism
libertarianism / Mill’s Harm Principle / negative freedom / positive freedom
The four principles approach / autonomy principle / non-maleficence principle / beneficence principle / justice principle
