Ethics: Philosophical and Contemporary

ApproachesJames A. Van Slyke

Immanuel Kant(1724-1804)

Moral principles are based on a rational appraisal

Morality is based on duty

Categorical Imperative Universal Principles of Conduct Moral laws are based on rational

principles that are universally binding

Deontological Ethics

David Hume (1711-1776)

Sentimentalism Moral distinctions are not derived

from reason, but from Emotion Our emotions enable us to

evaluate the difference between virtue and vice

• Emotions provide an objective measure for morality based on a common sentiment towards humanity• Although moral virtue is rare, persons do not act purely out of self-interest

Jonathon Haidt Julie and Mark are brother and sister. They

are traveling together in France on summer vacation from college. One night they are staying alone in a cabin near the beach. They decide that it would be interesting and fun if they tried making love. At the very least it would be a new experience for each of them. Julie was already taking birth control pills, but Mark uses a condom too, just to be safe. They both enjoy making love, but they decide not to do it again. They keep that night as a special secret, which makes them feel even closer to each other.

What do you think about that? Was it OK for them to make love?

Morality Story

Jonathon HaidtSocial Intuitionist Model

Emotion serves as an intuition that directs our assessment of a moral situation

Moral reasoning follows based on the intuitionAd hoc explanation based on defending

our intuitionsUsed to influence the intuitions of

others Thus, one feels revulsion at the idea

of incest in the story Then, seeks to find a way to rationally

defend the intuition

Trolley Problem

Trolley Problem

Joshua Greene Competing Processes Theory

Cognitive and emotional processes compete in moral decision-making

Impersonal Cognitive (Rational) Processes used

in appraisal Thought of pulling a lever does not

activate emotional centers of brain

Personal Emotional process used in appraisal Thought of pushing someone more

emotionally engaging

Marc HauserMoral Decision-making based on Moral

Module Similar to Chomsky and Pinker’s view of

language module Instinctive Moral Grammar directs

analysis of perceived actions

Most cognitive processes are unconscious and implicit

Moral cognition is largely unconscious Not developed through instruction Not dependent upon religious institutions

Marc HauserPrior to emotional and cognitive moral

appraisals Evaluate actions based on three

categoriesPermissibleObligatory Forbidden

Color our perceptions Constrain options for moral decision

Moral appraisal occurs within specific cultures, but follows the grammar set by the moral module

Exemplars

Wesley Autry Put his life in jeopardy to

save a stranger Jumped onto subway train

tracks to cover a person in danger

Later replied, “I don’t feel like I did something spectacular; I just saw someone who needed help. I did what I felt was right.”

Exemplars

The Story of Wesley Autry

Exemplars

Holocaust Rescuers Risked their own life

to save Jewish persons during the holocaust.

When asked, many rescuers didn’t feel like they did anything extraordinary

They could not of imagined doing anything different

What is a Exemplar?

Common definitions Someone who embodies certain

admirable traits Serves as a point of reference By observing an exemplary person, one

learns how to exercise a particular trait For Virtuous exemplars

These persons have characteristics that are essential for the moral life

These persons are examples for how to behave morally

Aristotle and Virtue Ethics

Eudaimonia – happiness or the good life Virtues are those those aspects of

character that lead to a good life

Virtues flow naturally from the character of moral exemplars

Exemplars are persons who have developed certain habits that embody moral virtues

Aristotle and Virtue Ethics

Acquiring virtue is not like other intellectual pursuitsRequires “phronesis” or

practical wisdomVirtues are acquired like

the skills of a master craftsman

More of an unconscious process

AristotleHumans are teleological beings

Live to achieve a certain telos or goal Virtues

Goods which help to achieve a telos Virtue of character – live according to reasonVirtue of thought – contemplate reasons

Virtues Internal goods which lead to proper action

Rule-governed ethics Doing Virtue-governed ethics Being

Seek the Mean Strength of character involves finding the

proper balance between two extremes. Excess: having too much of something. Deficiency: having too little of something.

The virtuous person embodies the wisdom of learning from one’s mistakes

Finding the MeanSphere of Existence Deficiency Mean Excess

Attitude toward self Servility Self-deprecation

Proper Self-Love Proper Pride Self-Respect

Arrogance Conceit Egoism

Narcissism Vanity

Attitude toward offenses of others

Ignoring them Being a Doormat

Anger Forgiveness

Understanding

Revenge Grudge

Resentment Attitude toward

good deeds of others

Suspicion Envy

Ignoring them

Gratitude Admiration

Over indebtedness

Attitude toward our own offenses

Indifference Remorselessness

Downplaying

Agent Regret Remorse

Making Amends Learning from them

Self-Forgiveness

Toxic Guilt Shame

Attitude toward our friends

Indifference

Loyalty

Possessive

Finding the Mean

Attitude toward our own good deeds

Belittling Disappointment

Sense of Accomplishment

Humility

Self-righteousness

Attitude toward the suffering of others

Callousness

Compassion

Pity “Bleeding Heart”

Attitude toward the achievements of

others

Self-satisfaction Complacency Competition

Admiration Emulation

Envy

Attitude toward death

and danger

Cowardice

Courage

Foolhardiness

Attitude toward our own desires

Self loathing Shame

Temperance Moderation

Lust Gluttony

Attitude toward other people

Exploitation

Respect

Deferential

Contemporary Virtue Ethics: Linda Zagzebski

Exemplars are the starting point for virtue ethicsConcrete example of virtue to

begin the development of conceptual definitions

Exemplars are distinguished by their exercise of practical reason or phronesis

Exemplars have the right motive, at the right time

Contemporary Virtue Ethics: Linda Zagzebski

Motives are emotional states that lead to correct moral actions

Each emotion has a thick concept that represents the intentional object of the emotional state Emotions enable a person to see a

situation from a particular moral perspective

Their emotions ready them for action

Contemporary Virtue Ethics: Linda Zagzebski

Emotions form the basic dispositions of a person’s characterEnduring moral traitsProduces reliability and

consistency in moral character despite the context

Developmental perspective on acquiring virtue