Ethical theories (extended)

What is deontology?

Duty to do what one ethically ought to do under the circumstances, what would a reasonable person do? Do it because it’s your DUTY

What is teleology?

The CONSEQUENCES of behavior and decisions, and how they affect the COMMON GOOD. Do it because of the results.

What is ubuntu?

Based on mutual interdependence, actions should produce harmony and develop community. Do it because it builds community. DUTY AND CONSEQUENCES.

Who are the primary thinkers under deontology?

Kant and Ross

Who are the primary thinkers of teleology?

Aristotle, Aquinas, Bentham and Stuart, Freeman, and Rawls

Who made Categorical Imperatives?

Kant

What are categorical imperatives?

An action that is morally required for everyone, all the time, and without exception, because its underlying rule could be willed as a universal law for all rational beings

Why are categorical imperatives deontology?

• Reason: Kant says morality is about duty, not consequences.

• Ex: You must always tell the truth — even if lying would save someone’s life — because truth-telling is a duty that applies universally.

Who made Prima Facie Duties?

Ross

What are Prima Facie Duties?

Initial, conditional moral obligations that appear binding "at first glance" but can be overridden by a stronger, more context-specific moral duty

What is duty of fidelity under PRIMA FACIE DUTIES?

• Definition: Keep promises and tell the truth.

• Example: A company must honor a contract with a supplier, even if breaking it would be more profitable.

What is Duty of Gratitude under PRIMA FACIE DUTIES?

• Definition: Show thankfulness and reciprocity for services or benefits received.

• Example: A manager should acknowledge and reward employees who worked overtime to complete a big project.

What is Duty of Non-Malfeasance under PRIMA FACIE DUTIES?

• Definition: Do no harm to others.

• Example: A pharmaceutical company must not sell drugs it knows are unsafe, even if profits are high.

What is Duty to Prevent Harm under PRIMA FACIE DUTIES?

• Definition: Act to stop harm when possible.

• Example: A tech firm should recall devices that could overheat and cause fires, even before major incidents occur.

What is duty of beneficence under PRIMA FACIE DUTIES?

• Definition: Act to benefit others, promote their happiness and welfare.

• Example: A company providing scholarships for underprivileged students goes beyond avoiding harm to actively helping.

What is Duty of Self-Improvement under PRIMA FACIE DUTIES?

• Definition: Develop one’s own talents, knowledge, and moral character.

• Example: A lawyer continues professional education to better serve clients ethically and competently.

What is duty of justice under PRIMA FACIE DUTIES?

• Definition: Treat people fairly and give them what they deserve.

• Example: Ensuring equal pay for equal work, regardless of gender or background.

Why are prima facie duties connected to deontology?

Provides a nuanced way to understand and apply duties, especially when they conflict.

Ex: Insider trading is wrong because it violates the duty of fidelity, not because of its consequences.

What is the overarching question of deontology?

“What would a reasonable person do?”

Who made virtue ethics?

Aristotle

What are virtue ethics?

Developing good character traits, aka virtues (ie. courage, honesty, and compassion)

“What kind of person should i be” RATHER THAN “what is the right action”

Why are virtue ethics connected to teleology?

Reason: Emphasizes the outcome of developing good character habits that lead to a flourishing life.

Ex: Practicing honesty over time makes you a virtuous person, LEADS TO GOOD RESULTS

Who made natural law?

Aquinas

What is natural law?

All people have an innate ability and duty to make rational decisions that should be used to resolved ethical disputes

What does diversity of views mean under natural law?

Reasonable people may differ

What does “self-evident” mean under natural law/

Humans use reason to uncover natural law.

Why does natural law connect to teleology?

The purpose (END GOAL) (telos) of law = promoting the common good, discovered through reason.

Ex: A jury decides negligence based on what a “reasonable person” would do.

Who made utilitarianism?

Bentham and Mill

What is utilitarianism?

What action would produce the greater good for the greater number of people?

What is rule Utilitarianism?

Promising to follow the rule (ie. following due diligence and its results)

What is Utilitarianism similar to?

Contract law, aka legally binding promises

What is Act Utilitarianism?

Related to specific issue, and action is judged right or wrong based solely on its consequences, with the goal of maximizing happiness for the greatest number of people SITUATION SPECIFIC

What is an example of Act Utilitarianism

Layoff 200 employees to keep the jobs of 2000 employees. Harming a few people is better for the greater good.

Why is utilitarianism connected to teleology?

Defines the right conduct that benefits the most number of people as an outcome

Who made stakeholder theory?

Freeman

What is stakeholder theory connected to?

Utilitarianism - benefiting the most people as possible (aka stakeholders)

What is stakeholder theory?

Purpose of business is not only to generate profits for shareholders, but also to create value for a host of parties related to the business

Who created theory of justice?

John Rawls

What is theory of justice attached to?

Utilitarianism - benefiting as many people as possible (aka fair results for everyone)

Who created Ubuntu?

Mendela/Tutu