Introduction to Ethics and Moral Philosophy

Ethics

the study of morality and moral concepts

Moral reasoning

when we make a decision based on what is right or wrong, or about what we should or should not do

Three types of moral action

morally impermissible - actions that are wrong, not okay to do

morally permissible - actions that are not wrong, okay to do

morally obligatory - MUST do, wrong NOT to do

Moral Values

values that benefit you and others, but are considered good on their own

Non-Moral Values

values that are considered a means to an end

Helper's high

when one feels satisfaction from doing a good deed

Conscience

your knowledge of what is right and wrong

Moral sentiments

emotions that alert us to moral situations and let us know what is right

Empathy

when one is able to feel the feelings of others and put themselves in the shoes of another

Compassion

acting on empathy to improve another's well-being

Moral outrage

anger we feel when we witness something morally wrong

Resentment

feeling upset after being morally wronged

Guilt

negative feeling from doing something morally wrong

Shame

negative feeling from doing something socially wrong

3 stages of moral development

1. Pre-Conventional - morality is about avoiding punishment; 2. Conventional - one follows social norms and conventions in order to be seen as a good person; 3. Post-Conventional - one follows universal moral principles, reaching conclusions that may sometimes differ from the social norms

Moral Relativism

the moral compass is subjective

Moral Universalism

morality is universal and objective regardless of time, place, and people

Ethical subjectivism

morality is nothing more than personal opinion

Cultural relativism

morals are based on social norms and custom

Criticism of moral relativism

It can be dangerous because, if taken to the extreme, someone can try to use it to justify heinous crimes simply because that is their own moral compass.

Utilitarianism

an action is right when it has the best possible outcomes

Founders of utilitarianism

Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill

Immanuel Kant

A German philosopher from 1724-1804 and the father of Kantianism. He also developed the Categorical Imperative

Categorical imperative

V. 1: Always act so that the maxim which describes your action could be universal law; V. 2: Never treat a human being as a means to an end, but always as an end itself

Liberty rights

Rights to be alone to pursue your legitimate interests.

Welfare rights

Rights to be provided certain essential goods if you cannot provide them for yourself

Virtues

morally desirable character traits