1 / 9

Normative Ethics

This text delves into the complexities of deontological theories, notably those proposed by Immanuel Kant and David Ross. It discusses the challenges posed by such theories, particularly regarding the foundations of rights and moral rules. Additionally, it analyzes how consequentialism can inform our understanding of rights while addressing criticisms from Bernard Williams, such as its demand on moral agents and potential alienation. The piece also examines contractarianism as a framework for moral rules but highlights its limitations in inclusivity and practicality. ###

jerrygreene
Download Presentation

Normative Ethics

An Image/Link below is provided (as is) to download presentation Download Policy: Content on the Website is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use and may not be sold / licensed / shared on other websites without getting consent from its author. Content is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use only. Download presentation by click this link. While downloading, if for some reason you are not able to download a presentation, the publisher may have deleted the file from their server. During download, if you can't get a presentation, the file might be deleted by the publisher.

E N D

Presentation Transcript

  1. Normative Ethics Section 3 Deontology, Contractarianism and Consequentialism

  2. Deontological Theories • Normative theories not based on consequences. • Immanuel Kant • David Ross Consider how the deontological theories of Kant & Ross could be problematic.

  3. Fundamental principles. Thought to require deontological theory. But… rights can be said to emerge from moral rules with a consequentialist underpinning. Rights Consider how consequentialism can inform belief in rights.

  4. Criticisms of Consequentialism Bernard Williams: (1.) overdemanding (2.) alienates agents from their integrity.

  5. Replies (1.)Consequentalism can provide for supererogation (rather than making it obligatory to maximise value). (2.) Does not alienate agents more than any other theory.

  6. Avoids alienating agents from their relationships. Upholds relationships. Not committed to excessive self-sacrifice. Subjective consequentialism treats maximising as a decision-procedure to be employed recurrently. Objective Consequentialism

  7. Distributive justice: consequentialism can prioritize the satisfaction of needs. Corrective justice: consequentialism can justify retributive practices through their benefits to society. Justice & Consequentialism

  8. Contractarianism • Moral rules are based on what rational, self-interested individuals would (in certain circumstances & under certain constraints) choose or contract into.

  9. Problems • Does not provide for those unable to enter into a contract, including - unborn generations - animals - some humans. • Problem of abstractness. • Consequentialist theories remain preferable.

More Related