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*