Ethics flashcards

Basic info to do well on your IB philosophy ethics test

Utilitarism

Utilitarism

An ethical theory that states an action is morally right if it produces the greatest amount of overall happiness or utility for the greatest number of people. It focuses on the consequences of individual actions rather than following predetermined rules or principles.

The hedonic calculus

A concept introduced by philosopher Jeremy Bentham. It is a method of measuring pleasure and pain in order to determine the moral value of an action. It involves assessing the intensity, duration, certainty, propinquity, fecundity, purity, and extent of pleasure or pain that may result from an action. The goal is to maximize pleasure and minimize pain in order to make ethical decisions.

Kingdom of Ends

Act as if you are a member of a kingdom of ends, where rational beings are both the authors and subjects of universal laws.

Universalizability

Act only according to the maxim that you can at the same time will to become a universal law.

Humanity

Always treat humanity, whether in yourself or others, as an end in itself and never merely as a means.

Kantian Ethics

1. Refers to the deontological theory where there are a universal set of moral principles that apply to all humans regardless of their situations.

2. Morality defined in kantian ethics is a deontological normative theory, rejecting the utilitarian in that the goodness of the action is a factor to how fruitful the outcome is. Its Motive > Consequence. “Without rationality the universe would be in a waste, in vain, and without purpose.” no order → chaos. 

Strengths of Kant

1. This is because something “moral” is determined by the intention behind it, not too much on the results. Having genuine moral worth is to have the sense of duty guided with good. And these intentions will act in accordance to the imperatives.  

2. The imperatives are universal laws helping determine the pemissibility of a moral dilemma. These laws with the emphasis on rationality are clear and objective creating no contradictions and is consistent. 

Weakness of Kant

1. Not addressing consequences, overlooking this could cause a negative long term consequence, regardless of the good intention. Both need to be considered holistically 

2. Solely on sense of duty would not be enough to inspire or convince individuals to always make morally good choices. 

Strengths of Utilitarianism

1. Simple and practical, greatest number of happiness. This theory gives a clear and tangible goal for ethical decision-making. 

2. Considers context and very flexible. Doesn’t follow any rigid principles and evaluates the circumstances. Takes into account to moral dilemmas → easier approach. 

Weakness of Utilitarianism

1. Happiness is too subjective, just because the choice makes the majority of the people happier, it doens’t necessarily mean that its the most ethical/good decision. This could neglect legal systems that follow through universally moral rules. 

2. Impractical, as it emphasises on people to calculate the amount of “happiness” it can generate in the long term. However, these calculations will never be precise and it would not work when need to decide in a time sensitive situation. 

Abortion in Utilitarianism

Seeing moral balance between the rights of the fetus and the rights of the mother

Grief

Abortion in Kant

The stage of the fetus that can be considered for it to be alive —> Gives it human rights

Whether a fetus should be granted personhood

Whether the mother would die if she gave birth

Ayn Rand

• Individuals have the right to their life, liberty and property and these rights should be protected by the government. Ethical egoism is consistent in the recognition and respect for individual rights

• Rejection of altruism. Which is the practice of selflessly acting for the benefit of others without expecting anything in return.

Ethical Egoism

1. A normative theory that suggests individuals should act in their own self-interest. It asserts that individuals ought to prioritize their own well-being above others.

2. The idea that humans are inherently self-interested, directing aligning to the moral actions with human nature

3. The comparison between what will be the most beneficial to ones self in the long term

Strength in Ethical Egoism

1. Emphasis on individual autonomy, allowing individuals to make decisions based on their own values, desires and interests. Aligning with the self-determination and persona liberty mindset. When making ethical decisions, these are the values that you need to possess. 

2. Taking accountability of their own actions, woul dhave to make decision on the long term. Addition self-improvemnet, connecting to virtue ethics. 

Weaknesses in Ethical Egoism

1. Differences in interests, in the case where pursing for self-interest would result in harm for others.

2. The promotion of personal gain over collective well-being could undermine the social fabric.

3. (Moral dilemma) The weighing of personal needs against the personal needs of others, understanding that ethical egoism could cause a coincide but yet a conflict with whats right.

4. For example: Questing equitable distributions of medical treatments, is a rich man more deserving of treatment than a regular civilian?

How does the hedonic calculus work

It involves assessing the intensity, duration, certainty, propinquity, fecundity, purity, and extent of pleasure or pain that may result from an action. The goal is to maximize pleasure and minimize pain in order to make ethical decisions.