Ethics Chapter Four

Theories of Obligation

-moral theory concerned with the rightness/wrongness of actions *book is mainly concerned with this

Reflective Equilibrium

-a back and forth between moral theories/principles+moral judgments

Considered Moral Judgements

-carefully made moral judgements about issues are usually reliable data -careful deliberation+free of bias

Categorical imperative?

-imperative we should follow regardless of our particular wants and needs *this principle defines Kant's ethical system *applies to all cultures

Theories of Value

-moral theory concerned with the goodness of the person/things

Rule Utilitarianism?

-morally right action is COVERED BY A RULE that is generally followed would produce the greatest overall good with everyone considered *we are to follow such rules consistently even if doing so in a circumstance leads to bad consequences

Kant's Theory

-morally right action is the one done following categorical imperative -an action is right if and only if you can universalize the rule

Act Utilitarianism?

-right actions are those that DIRECTLY produce the greatest overall good with everyone considered

Utilitarianism?

-says that the morally right action is the one that produces the most favorable balance of good over evil *everyone in the population is to be considered*

Classic Utilitarianism

-single, all encompassing standard: right actions are those that directly produce the greatest overall happiness

Divine Command Theory

-the morally right action is the one God commands

Natural Law Theory

-the morally right action is the one that follows the dictates of nature---do what they were designed to do by God IE lying is wrong BC it goes against human nature. Truth telling is natural because we are social creatures with the tendency to care about the welfare of others.

Ethical Egoism?

-the morally right action is the one that produces the greatest good for oneself

Nonconsequentialist

-what makes an action right does not entirely depend on its consequences BUT it depends on the nature of the action itself

Consequentialist

-what makes an action right is it's consequences OR the amount of good it produces IE pleasure, knowledge happiness,

Two kinds of utilitarianism?

1) Act-Utilitarianism 2) Rule-Utilitarianism

Nonconsequential Theories include

1) Categorical imperative 2) Kant's theory 3) Natural law theory

Two Major Moral Theories?

1) Consequentialist--teleological 2) Nonconsequentialist--deontological

Example of Criterion One--considered judgments? Moral Theory: Right actions are those that enhance the harmonious function of a group

Considered judgment: murder is wrong If killing a man enhances the harmonious function of a group we must use our considered judgments and recognize that the theory is not consistent with considered judgements

Moral Criteria of Adequacy---to evaluate theories IE is this a good theory? is to true? does it explain the rightness of an action?

Criterion 1: Consistency with considered judgements Criterion 2: Consistency with our moral experiences Criterion 3: Usefulness in moral problem solving

Example of Criterion Two-- consistent with our moral background knowledge? Moral Theory: feelings alone determine whether actions are wrong/right

Moral Background Knowledge: Our moral experience shows us that we are morally infallible

Example of Criterion Three--usefulness (AKA capacity to solve problems and answer questions) in moral problem solving

Usefulness: If science theory is useful then it gains credibility If moral theory is useful then it gains credibility

Consequentialist Theories

Utilitarianism, Act-Utilitatarianism, Rule-Utilitarianism, Ethical egoism

Moral Theory

explanation of what makes an action right or what makes a person or thing good *focuses on the rightness or goodness itself rather than the specific actions & purpose *an action is right/wrong because it has this characteristic