Week 2Ethical Theories

Ethics A good starting point.The reputation of a thousand years is determined by the conduct of one hour. Japanese proverb

Merriam Webster - Ethics the dictionaryThe embodiment of those values that the person or organization feels are important, and spell our proper conduct and appropriate action.No. It is the study of the different theories of what is good or bad right or wrong in human conduct.

Ethical ChoicesWhat you find is that the tough ethical choices are not between good and evil, but rather between two goods: Truth versus Loyalty Individual versus Community Short-term versus Long-term Justice versus Mercy

What is Ethics?What is Ethics? What are some Ethical types?There is no one set of rules, like no one right way to get to Drexel or Widener. There are a number of different theories about what is good or bad right or wrong in human conduct. Ethics is the study of such theories. Hence it could be said:Hitler held an Ethical theory that was unethical.

Moral TheoryMoral theory in Western Ethics is typically divided into those theories where the results are most important or those theories where the rights, duties, or obligations are most important.

ConsequentialismDeontology

ConsequentialismWhat is good or bad right or wrong in human conduct depends on the consequences.a) utilitarianism. says right action tries to create the greatest good for the greatest number. Mill and Bentham read this on a hedonistic calculus (pain and pleasure).b) Ethical egoism. Typically the philosophy of Ayn Rand, though sometimes ascribed to Hobbes. Says we should pursue what is really in our best interest and often contrasts with altruism.

DeontologyDeontology: What is good or bad depends on the rights, duties or obligations. (From deon = Greek for duty). a) Kantian deontology. (See the question on Kant). Holds there are absolute rules we must follow no matter what, such as do not lie, be benevolent, etc.b) Lockean deontology. Endowed with certain inalienable rights. Belief in natural rights such as life, liberty, property, pursuit of happiness.

Other TheoriesThere are other forms of Ethics, like virtue ethics (character, habits), perhaps there is a distinct feminist ethics, or a kind of religious ethics that is not simply a deontology (an ethics of love for instance).

Virtue EthicsThe Good Life as seen in Aristotle or a modern exponent such as Robert SolomonWhat Is the Highest of All Goods Achievable by Action?Life of Pleasure or WealthPolitical LifeContemplative LifeThe Function of Man: to reason, to do what man does best.

UtilitarianismWhat is utilitarianism? What are some problems with it?Utilitarianism is the theory that good conduct creates the greatest good for the greatest number, while bad increases suffering. (Every Ethical theory is a theory about what you should/should not do, is good/bad to do).

Problems with Utilitarianisma) What is the good to be produced?As I joke in class, you can put cocaine in the ventilation system. Everybody is happy right? Well, no everybody just feels happy (until we are all sent to jail).If you put a starving child in front of me, I know what her greatest good is (to be fed). But what is the greatest good of the average American College student? Sleep? Beer?

Problems with Utilitarianism 2b) Utilitarianism may sacrifice individuals.Again, as I joke in class, we can all lessen our tax burden by killing all the criminals in prison. We dont tell them we are going to kill them, we tell them we are going to let them go. Then when they are all happy, we get rid of them. (I am sure some bright engineer can figure out how). Of course this is ridiculous not to mention reminiscent of the Nazis.

Problems with Utilitarianism 3c) Utilitarianism taken to its logical extreme is very demanding.For example, if you believe Rachels guilt trip, then you are supposed to spend your money on famine relief instead of the movies. In fact, any time you find two people worse off then you are, you are supposed to do what you can to improve the greater good of the greater number.

Utilitarianism external linkswww.bradpriddy.com/rachels/UT.pptPeter Singer http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MUt4naUYz0I

Ethical EgoismPsychological Egoism (Rachels): We are incapable of unselfishness. (We are always selfish).Psychological Egoism (alternative): To the extent we act voluntarily, we always do what we think is in our best interest.

Ethical EgoismPsychological egoism is a psychological view, i.e., a view about how we think. Ethical egoism is an ethical view, i.e., a view about what is bad or good, or what we should or shouldnt do.Ethical Egoism (Rachels): We should do whatever we want regardless of how it affects others. Ethical Egoism (alternative): We should do what is really in our best interest.

Ethical Egoism external linkshttp://users.ipfw.edu/caseldij/Ethics/The%20Ethics%20of%20Self%20Interest.pptAyn Rand Interviewhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=go62Gl7aik4

Kantian DeontologyImmanuel Kant was an 18th century German philosopher who believed in absolute rules such as do not lie, be beneficent and do not commit suicide. These rules were to be followed no matter the consequences. So, to use Rachels example, even when an inquiring murderer asks us where his victim has gone, we are required to tell the murderer.

Kantian DeontologyKants absolute rules are derived from the two formulations of the categorical imperative:a) Act only according to that maxim you can will to be a universal law.b) Treat others as an ends (in a kingdom of ends) and never as a means merely.

Kant and lyingIn the first formulation, you are to take a maxim I should lie, and universalize it. Suppose: What if everyone lied all the time? Kant argues that lying would cease to make sense, i.e., result in a conceptual contradiction. Kant is not concerned with any practical consequences, say to education, he is concerned that we avoid the conceptual contradiction.

Kant and Lying 2In the second formulation, Kant argues that lying to someone treats them as if they cant make decisions on their owni.e., it denies their rationality. Kant believes that our rational nature is of supreme importance. In order to be good (have a good will) we must be able to make decisions ourselves.

Religion and Kantian Deontologyhttp://users.ipfw.edu/caseldij/Ethics/The%20Ethics%20of%20Duty.ppt