ETHICS

An area of knowledgeY. Cornez/2011

Definitions

The 4 Branches of Philosophy:• Metaphysics (What is the nature of

existence and being?)• Epistemology (What can we know and

how do we know it?)• Logic • Ethics: the attempt to clarify values, to

definethat which is right from that which is wrong, and to guide us in how we should behave. 

A perfect Boy Scout decides suddenly that he wants to do something out of character, something totally wrong. He prepares a rotten egg and fires it across the street at Mrs M.’s house, with the sole intention of making a mess and chipping the paint on the innocent old lady’s front door. Just as the egg is about to hit, a robber steps out and the egg cold cocks him between the eyes. Down goes the robber with all of Mrs. M’s fine silverware in his bag. The next day, the paper announces: “ Eagle Scout Saves the Day !”

Question: Was there any moral quality to the Boy Scout’s action?

Can an action be moral but unethical, or vice

versa?

• What is the difference between Ethics and Morality?

Morality and Ethics

Ethics : what isMorality: what ought to be

• Morality tends to be described as a spiritual aspect: the system of rules for the superego.

Does morality necessarily involve action, or can it involve thoughts or attitudes alone?

• Ethics, on the other hand, is the real life execution of such ideals and virtues.

Some would argue that ethics refers only to professional codified behavior while morality applies to life outside the workplace. 

• Anthropology:     how should we evaluate one culture juxtaposed against another? 

• Economics:    how should we distribute scarce resources? How should land be distributed?

• Law:          how and when should we punish or show mercy? What should be the most fundamental rights of man?

Examples of ethical issues in professional contexts

• Psychology:  how do we define, treat, and understand behaviors different from the norm?

• Biology:  what should be the proper interrelationship between technical innovations in biology and medicine, law, politics, and religion?

• Education:  who should be educated to what extent and to what end?

• Religion:  how should we behave when the dogmas of one religion contradict another? What should be the proper relationship between church and state?

• Press:  In meeting the public’s right to know, to what limitations or freedoms should the press be subject?  Should they  be compelled to reveal their souwhat should be (if any) the boundaries of science?rces?

•  Science:  

• Sociology:  How should the individual interact with the group? What should be the parameters (if any) of free will in any given society? Should the government exercise control over abortion or euthanasia? Do the rich have a responsibility to the poor?

• Athletics:  What behaviors are proper or sportsmanlike? What does it mean to compete fairly?

• Environment:  Do we have a responsibility to protect the environment? What if that protection can only come to positive fruition in the distant future but interferes with the full enjoyment of the good life here and now?

• Business:  What should be the proper relationship between employer and worker?  What are the responsibilities of fair and ethical action in the local and world markets? Do corporations have a moral responsibility to do no harm even if that threatens their livelihood or existence 

• Sexual Politics:  Is there a right or wrong sexuality?  What is the proper relationship between law and the individual when it comes to sexual choice and/or private practices amongst consenting adults? Who should be allowed to marry?

• Technology:  Should there be fair and ethical use policies established for the internet? Who should have access and should it be free or censored? Should TV programming be subject to public decency and relevancy oversights?

• Medicine:  Who should have access to medical treatment? Is it ethical to refuse treatment to someone without insurance?   Should experimental drugs and treatments be allowed? To what extent should physicians and hospitals be held responsible when mishap or death occurs?  Should a doctor or  patient ever be allowed to terminate life when pain and the quality of life are greatly diminished? Should pharmaceutical companies produce low cost medication to the poor when it is a life-or-death issue?

•  Art:  Should art be morally uplifting or does it have nothing to do with morality? When does art become pornography or violence?  Should it ever be censored?

So, how do we make ethical decision? How can we ensure we’re doing the right thing? Should we just trust our instinct?

Our values? ETHICAL THEORIES

1. Deontology

Immanuel KANT: the morality of an act is based on intention (uses reason to recognize universal principles).

Ethical Theories

2. UtilitarianismJ.S MILLS: pb of subjectivity when

measuring intention. An action should measured by its consequences.

--> an action is right when it brings the greatest happiness to the greatest number of people.

Ethical Theories

3. Virtue ethicsARISTOTLE: the good life depends on

moderation. The virtuous life can never be achieved by extreme actions, or an extreme lifestyle. One has to find a sensible, moderate way to live. Ethical system based on character.

Ethical Theories

4. Hedonism and EgoismHedonistic thinking puts pleasure as

the highest Good.Egoism: according to SPINOZA,

progress is made for society when an individual looks to his/her own needs.

Ethical Theories

5. Classical StoïcismVirtue lies in the control of passions

(Apatheïa), and in accepting our fate (pre-determinism).

Ethical Theories

6. Common GoodPLATO: morality is linked to the

common good.

And indeed, a core element of morality is to consider that we are not alone, that our actions impact others…

Ethical theories and religious belief systems

• assess the morality of an action based on its obedience to divine command

• Use revelation as the source and justification of moral principles

• Demand a prior belief in a specific religion

• Have in common with deontology the guidance by principles rather than consequences

Your work:• Read Stephen Pinker’s article called

“The Moral Instinct”. What do you think about the notion of “moral illusion”?

• What are your ethics? Check out: www.philosophyexperiments.com and do at least 3 ethical tests. Print out the results and analyze them.

• Research the names of the philosophers mentioned here. You should know where they are from and when they lived.