4. Preliminary and Finalist Theories

Ethical Relativism

• There are no absolute moral truths; what is right or wrong varies from person to person (subjectivism) or from society to society (conventionalism)

• Morality is a product of culture or individual preference.

• There's no universal, culture-neutral ethical standard to appeal to.

• Moral standards are determined by a specific culture or social group.

Conventionalism or Cultural Relativist

What type of Ethical Relativism is depicted?
“Polygamy is accepted in and practice in Culture A and is morally right for the society, regardless of the moral views in Culture B where monogamy is mandatory”

Subjective Relativist/Subjectivism

What type of Ethical Relativism is depicted?

“Borrowing Money. A subjective relativist might believe that it's acceptable for them to break a promise to repay a debt if they suddenly need the money more, because their personal needs outweigh their moral commitment in that specific moment.”

Ethical Absolutism

• Certain moral principles are universally valid and apply to all individuals regardless of culture and context

• Morality is universal and objective

Ethical Egoism

• Mandates self-interest

• Self

• Agents ought to act in their own self-interest

• An action is moral if its consequences benefit the doer

Ethical Altruism

• Mandates acting for the benefit of others

• Other

• Agents have a primary obligation to help others

• Ethical Relativism

• Ethical Absolutism

• Ethical Egoism

• Ethical Altruism

Preliminary Theories

• Utilitarianism

• Categorical Imperatives

• Nicomachean Ethics

Finalist Theories

Utilitarianism

• An action is moral if it tends to maximize overall happiness and well-being and minimize suffering for all affected parties.

•  The Principle of Utility: Maximize "utility," which is often defined in terms of pleasure, happiness, or well-being.

• Majority wins

• Only the outcome matters in determining

Categorical Imperatives

• An absolute, unconditional moral command derived from reason, which dictates that an action is morally right only if its underlying motive (maxim) can be universalized and respects human dignity.

• An action is only correct if it can be universalized

Nicomachean Ethics

• Finding the intermediate state between two vices (deficiency and excess)

• Whatever is in the middle is right

• Morality is found by seeking the "golden mean" or the right balance in your character and actions.