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Chapter 5 Some Traditional Ethical Theories

Chapter 5 Some Traditional Ethical Theories. Three Traditional Ethical Theories Utilitarianism-Goods Theories of Right Action Theories of Virtues. Utilitarianism-Goods. Utilitarianism-Goods, claims the ultimate goal of human action is happiness. Opposite is disvalue.

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Chapter 5 Some Traditional Ethical Theories

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  1. Chapter 5 Some Traditional Ethical Theories Three Traditional Ethical Theories Utilitarianism-Goods Theories of Right Action Theories of Virtues 5 Some Traditional Ethical Theories

  2. Utilitarianism-Goods Utilitarianism-Goods, claims the ultimate goal of human action is happiness. Opposite is disvalue. Other words: Pleasure Satisfaction Welfare Well-being Tenet: Maximize happiness and minimize pain Economist-Rational person “No gain without pain” Short and long run perspectives. Savings Dentist College Exercise 5 Some Traditional Ethical Theories 2

  3. Utilitarianism-Goods Is this rational selfishness? No Philosophers: happiness is a morally good thing for self with others. Beyond ourselves: Social contact to enjoy with others Spouse, Children, Parents, Friends, Lovers, Others Whose happiness? Happiness of all “Greatest good of the greatest number”-Unitarianism Theorists-Founders Jeremy Bentham (1748-1832) John Stuart Mill (1806-1873) 5 Some Traditional Ethical Theories 3

  4. Utilitarianism-Goods Jeremy Bentham First principle of utilitarianism: Seek the greatest good of the greatest number. Principle of Utility or “maximize utility” Measure? John Stuart Mill Pleasure and avoidance of pain are ends “Carrot and stick” Practice Do what has the best effects Example: Assisted suicide Benefits: Dying people relief of great physical pain and family. Costs: Pressured into action results in devaluing life. Does the benefits exceed costs for society? Moral decision: requires an examination of facts. 5 Some Traditional Ethical Theories 4

  5. Theories of Right Action What makes acts right (wrong)? Why be fair? Why treat others justly? Careful not to use utilitarianism. Ends and Means People are not just “means” but “ends” in themselves. Means is a way of getting something. Process Using something “I feel used!” Ex. Car, Money, Waiter What is it about us that compels this kind of respect? A person is not a thing, and must not be treated as such. Objectification-making a person “a thing or an object” Salesperson? Slavery-property, Nazism-thing, pornography-object 5 Some Traditional Ethical Theories 5

  6. Theories of Right Action What is right is to always treat people at least in part as ends in themselves: not as mere things, but each as centers of experience and choice as real as we know ourselves to be. Equality follows when treating people as “ends”. Kant’s (1734-1804)Theory of Right Action Categorical imperative is the basic principle of moral action. “Always act so as to treat humanity, whether in yourself or in another, as an end and never merely as a means.” “Act only according to that maxim whereby you can at the same time will that it become a universal law.” Golden rule Will other people follow it? Making an exception for myself? Example: lying 5 Some Traditional Ethical Theories 6

  7. Theories of Right Action Our lives have value in themselves, not just as a means to something else, even our own pleasure. 5 Some Traditional Ethical Theories 7

  8. Theories of Virtue Many theories of value, all have a common logic. Aristotle’s (384-322 BCE) virtues Rational animals or balanced self-actualization Rational is the ability-the habits and the wisdom and the judgment-that enable us to bring a complex self into order as it unfolds. “Golden Mean” is the appropriate middle or the between extremes of emotion and action. Example: Danger—Choice: Fear or Confidence Virtue: Courage Moral virtues include temperance, justice, humor, and generosity. Moral vice: excess in either way 5 Some Traditional Ethical Theories 8

  9. Theories of Virtue The “Cardinal Virtues” Saint Thomas Aquinas (1224-1274): Life is not an end in itself but instead a means to better knowing ourselves and God. Theological virtues: faith, hope and charity; Also justice and temperance. Theological vices: pride, lust, avarice and all of the rest. Alasdair MacIntyre discussed virtues from “practices” Lawyers: truth; Teachers: liveliness and imagination Virtue lives in the details or practice. 5 Some Traditional Ethical Theories 9

  10. Theories of Virtue The Ethics of Care Carol Gilligan--Love, care, connection, solidarity, perceptiveness, imagination, sensitivity, skills in responding and nurturing; patience and creativity; and acceptance. Feminist Ethics, virtues above have often been overlooked and devalued in ethics. Virtue Thinking in Practice Example: assisted suicide Most virtue thinkers oppose assisted suicide. Good judgment in specific situations. Not a single rule or law. Situational…Wisdom 5 Some Traditional Ethical Theories 10

  11. Exercises and Notes: Applying the Theories Page 99 5 Some Traditional Ethical Theories

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