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Introduction to Ethical Arguments

Introduction to Ethical Arguments. Scott Hale English 1213. Definitional Arguments:. Basis of All Knowledge/Communication Argue that Item X belongs in Category Y Scooter (X) is a murderer (Y). Evaluative Arguments:. The next step in Knowledge/Communication

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Introduction to Ethical Arguments

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  1. Introduction to Ethical Arguments Scott Hale English 1213

  2. Definitional Arguments: • Basis of All Knowledge/Communication • Argue that Item X belongs in Category Y • Scooter (X) is a murderer (Y)

  3. Evaluative Arguments: • The next step in Knowledge/Communication • Having defined an item--X is a Y • We then evaluate that item--X is a good/bad Y… • The War Room (X) is an excellent documentary (Y) • Evaluations depend upon definitions

  4. Ethical Arguments • The next step in Knowledge/Communication • Having defined and evaluated an item, we assess it’s inherent worth--the value of its being • But just because something is good, does this mean it’s right?

  5. Question of Purpose • In evaluative arguments our evaluation of an item stems from the purpose of that item, • Nike is a good shoe because it effectively covers your feet…

  6. But in Ethical Arguments… • The purpose differs... • If we discover that third-world labor markets are economically and physically exploited in making Nike shoes… • Is it right to make (or even to own) Nike products? • The purpose is now one of political and human rights, not covering one’s feet.

  7. Requirements for Ethical Arguments: • Just like evaluations require comparison/contrast between items within the same category/genus, so to do different ethical systems • AND... • Ethical Arguments must be couched in ethical terms…. • Right vs. Wrong; Moral vs. Immoral

  8. Toulmin Schema: • C: Slavery is wrong • R: b/c it violates human rights • G: Slavery violates human rights; Ev: Support that slavery violates HR • W: Any practice that violates human rights is wrong • B: Support of ethical system

  9. Different Ethical Systems… • Of all value arguments, Ethical arguments are the least stable in Backing • Because we have different ways of determining right from wrong

  10. Naïve Egoism • Right vs. Wrong determined by how it affects a given individual or particular group of individuals • It is wrong to hit Michelle because she is a woman • Operates under the belief that I am #1 • But how many #1s can there be?

  11. Consequentialism • Right vs. Wrong determined by the outcome of an action and whether it has positive or negative consequences • It is wrong to hit Michelle b/c it willhurt • Operates under a utilitarian framework where we seek to provide the greatest good for the greatest number • OR the ends justify the means

  12. Principlism • Right vs. Wrong determined not by outcome of action, but by the action itself, whether it conforms to or upholds a belief or principle • It is wrong to hit Michelle b/c it violates the Golden Rule • But what happens if two principles come into conflict…?

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