1. What is Ethics?

Categorical Imperative

A rule that has no exceptions Only act according to those rules that you believe should be applicable to all persons in all cases As well, do not use others as a means to an end, but always consider them as an end unto themselves

Theory

An idea or belief about something that is arrived at through speculation and/or research

Metaethics

Area of philosophy that generates descriptive theory about where our understanding of right or good comes from ie. does "good" come from social invention? God? Expression of emotion?

Rule utilitarianism

Consequentialist ethics theory that requires us to adopt general rules likely to promote the greatest good for the greatest number

Descriptive theory

Describes phenomena as observed, and is therefore generally an outcome of research

Golden Rule

Do unto others only that which you are prepared to have them do unto you -- Kant

Explanatory theory

Explains how things work, what meanings people give to certain events, or how people think about abstract concepts

John Stuart Mill

Famous utilarian theorist. Believed main obligation is to maximize overall happiness

Kant

Father of modern deontology Central concepts: reason and freedom, the duality of human condition, good will, and duty People are free to make choices. Must be based on reason alone

Utilitarianism

Form of consequentialism that defines "good" in terms of utility or usefulness in promoting happiness

Perspective theory

Gives us direction. How we should think about things, or how things ought to be done

Virtue ethics

Good people will make good decisions and explores the characteristics that make people good *Aristotelian Ethics* - Focuses on how we ought to BE oppose to ACT

Principle of utility

Greatest good for the greatest number Made famous by Mill

Deontology

Humans have the capacity to think through problems and determine right action based on *duty*, the obligation to act according to particular rules or principles

Maxims

Logical principles that are based on reason

Branches of moral philosophy

Metaethics, Normative Ethics, Applied Ethics

Applied ethics (practical ethics)

More specific questions about how decisions should be made in particular situations Uses concepts from metaethics and normative ethics to tackle controversial issues

Morality

Personal, closely held views

Normative ethics theory

Perspective, in that it tells how we ought to think about moral questions Presents us with rules, values, and principles e.g., Utilitarianism or Deontology

Act utilitarianism

Requires us to anticipate the outcomes of every act and judge the act on the principle of utility

Ethics

The moral practices, beliefs and standards of individuals and/or groups

Consequentialism

Think about right or wrong in terms of consequences or outcomes of ones actions

Golden mean (Aristotelian Ethics)

Virtue enables one to choose the middle ground between excess and deficiency

Kant's philosophy

We can only act morally if we act according to duty as understood through universal laws or maxims Treating people as *autonomous agents*