Ethics and Philosophy Issues

Ethics and Philosophy Terminology

A. Ethics, morals and values are difficult to define and many definitions are acceptable

1. Ethics is generally thought of as the study of right action and morals is the

system through which that action is applied

B. Ethics

1. The critical examination and evaluation of what is good, evil, right and wrong in human conduct (Guy, 2001)

2. A specific set of principles, values and guidelines for a particular group or organization (Guy, 2001)

3. Ethics is the study of goodness, right action and moral responsibility, it asks what choices and ends we ought to pursue and what moral principles should govern our pursuits and choices (Madden, 2000)

C. Morals

1. Those principles and values that actually guide, for better or worse, an individual's personal conduct (Guy, 2001)

2. Morality is the informal system of rational beings by which they govern their behavior in order to lesson harm or evil and do good, this system, although informal, enjoys amazing agreement across time and cultures concerning moral rules, moral ideas and moral virtues (Madden, 2000)

D. Values

1. Where emphasis is placed and what is rewarded in an organization and society

2. Guiding principles of behavior and conduct.

3. The core motivator for behaviors

IV. Ethical theories

A. In-depth knowledge is not required but it is important to have an understanding

of some of the major theories to help shape classroom discussions

B. Divine Law

1. Based in many religions, primarily  Islamic or Judeo-Christian

2. What is considered good under this philosophy? God's will and word

3. What is right behavior? Obeying God's will

4. What are the strengths of this theory? Moral certainty and guidance

5. What are some of the weaknesses of this theory? Moral certainty, self righteousness and intolerance

C. Virtue Ethics

1. Based in ancient Greek philosophy: Plato and Aristotle

2. What is considered good under this philosophy? Seeking happiness and living the good life

3. What is right behavior? Acting virtuously which is necessary for happiness

4. What are the strengths of this theory? Virtue is it's own reward and leads to self-actualization

5. What are some of the weaknesses of this theory? Consequences, the common good and principle are ignored

D. Egoism

1. Based in classical and contemporary philosophy

2. What is considered good? What I think is best for me is good

3. What is right behavior? Promoting what is good for me only

4. What are the strengths of this theory? Leads to moral certainty and moral autonomy

5. What are some of the weaknesses of this theory? Self-centeredness, moral certainty, selfishness and unrealistic thinking

E. Ethical Relativism

1. Based in classical and contemporary philosophy

2. What is considered good? Only whatever the individual/group/culture decides is right is right

3. What is right behavior? Acting in accord with the group's values and principles

4. What are the strengths of this theory? Tolerance of others, flexible thinking and practicality

5. What are some of the weaknesses of this theory? It rules out criticism of obvious evil and all is considered relative

F. Utilitarianism

1. Based in British/American philosophy: Bentham and Kant

2. What is considered good? Happiness/pleasure, diminishing misery and pain

3. What is right behavior? Promoting the greatest good for the greatest number

4. What are the strengths of this theory? Practical, considers consequences of actions

5. What are some of the weaknesses of this theory? A good end may justify a bad means, it is often a vague theory, and justifies mistreatment of a minority group of people as the means to an end if they do not agree with the majority, it can be dehumanizing

G. Duty Ethics

1. Based on theories by Kant

2. What is considered good? Good will that is good-hearted and extended to others

3. What is right behavior? Doing your moral duty and acting as a model for others to follow

4. What are the strengths of this theory? Highly principled behavior, consistent and certain, showing respect for self and others

5. What are some of the weaknesses of this theory? It ignores circumstances and principles and offers no way to choose among competing principles