Four Less Rigorous Ethical Theories

Ethics

• Is the philosophial study of moral values and rules that govern human conduct

• it explores questions like “what ought we to do? and What makes actions right or wrong?"

Virtue Ethics

• Principle: Focus on character rather than rules or consequences, a holistic approach to integrating virtues into life, and a communitarian aspect where it is developed within a community

• Obligation: To cultivate oneself, to emulate individuals, and to act in accordance with virtue

• Moral: Emphasizes the development of good character traits like courage, generosity, and practical wisdom. The golden mean is a key concept, where virtues are balanced between extremes

Casuistry Ethics

• Principle: Focuses on analogical reasoning and the importance of case law in ethical decision-making

• Obligation: To analyze new cases by identifying similarities and differences with past cases

• Moral: Determining the best ourse of action by comparing new cases to well-known and influential cases from the past

Feminist Ethics

• Principle: Focuses on social justice, equality, and the importance of relationships and care. Critiques traditional ethics for being overly logical and ignoring emotional and social context

• Obligation: To challenge power structures, advocate for the marginalized, and consider the impact of decisions on vulnerable populations

• Moral: Concered with seeing through economic interest and social power structures, giving due to minorities, the poor, and disempowered. Emphasizes ethics of caring, later shifts towards an ethics of redress of power for vulnerable groups

Narrative Ethics

• Principle: Emphasizes the individual’s story and context, rejecting broad generalizations in favor of a nuanced understanding

• Obligation: To understand the individual person and their history before applying ethial generalizations

• Moral: Stresses the importance of understanding people’s choices within the ontext of their life experienes, circumstances, and decisions.

Morals

Are personal or societal standards about what is right or wrong in conduct, character, and attitude. They are often deeply ingrained and based on cultural, religious, or philosophical beliefs

Personal Compass

• Type of Morals

• Morals serve as an internal guide for individual behavior

Societal Norms

• Types of morals

• They also form the foundation of societal norms and expectations

Honesty

Telling the truth and avoiding deceit

Compassion

Showing empathy and concern for others’ well-being

Fairness

Treating everyone equitably and justly

Respect

Valuing the dignity and rights of all individuals

Obligations

Are duties or responsibilities that individuals are expected to fulfill, often arising from moral, legal, or social commitments.

Duties to others

• Type of obligations

• Typically involve a sense of responsibility towards other people, groups or institutions

Expected Actions

• Type of obligation

• They dictate specific actions or behaviors that are considered necessary or required

Legal

Obligations paying taxes, obeying laws, etc

Moral obligations

Helping someone in distress, keeping promises

Professional

Obligations maintaining confidentiality, providing competent service

Family obligation

Caring for children or elderly parents

Principle

Are fundamental beliefs or rules that serve as the foundation for a system of thought, behavior, or actions

Guiding Lights

• Type of principle

• Principles act as providing a framework for decision-making and ethical conduct

Consistency

• Type of principle

• Adherence to principles promotes integrity

Principle of Justice

Treating all individuals fairly and equitably

Principle of Autonomy

Respecting individuals right to make their own decision

Principle of Beneficence

Acting in ways that benefit others

Principle of Non-maleficence

Avoiding actions that cause others harm