Ethics & Morality

Year 10 Term 1

Morals

The ability to judge choices/actions/behaviours as either “good” (right) or “bad” (wrong). 

Ethics

Study of how we make moral decisions. There are a range of ethical theories that supply tools for ethical decision making.

Values

Things which we hold dear to us that shape/influence our moral behaviours and choices.

Example: Peace, family, friends, love, happiness, success and so on.

Normative standards

Ideals and rules that are not necessarily written down (codified) but everyone agrees with them.

Example: It is a normative standard to respect your elders.

Social norms

“Rules” that are created by what everyone does, whether it follows or goes against the law.

Example: You should dress a certain way or talk a certain way or act a certain way. To say please or thank you is one example.

Mores

Customs and conventions of society or social group; these are not generally enforced by laws.

Example: You should eat with your mouth closed.

Ought ethics

The type of approach where it says we “ought to” (or should) act a particular way when faced with a moral choice because it is objectively the “right” way. It will always be the right way to behave at all times (eternally) and in all places (universally).

These approaches believe that what is right and wrong are intrinsic (i.e., we known them naturally without having to be shown them or to learn them)

Summary:

• Universal

• Eternal

• Intrinsic

• Objective

Example: Murder will be objectively wrong no matter the time, place or circumstances

Absolutism

The ethical approach where there is only one correct answer to any moral question, and that this answer is always true, no matter what the circumstances are.

Example: Lying is not moral even if it is to save someone’s life.

Natural Law

A theory that states that human beings possess intrinsic values which are based on human nature that govern their reasoning and behavior. These intrinsic values are universal and eternal. The theory holds that human beings have absolute, natural rights.

For example, many people believe that natural law says it is wrong to kill innocent people.

Outcome ethics

The approach which says that ethical decisions should be based on the outcome or consequence.

Character Ethics

The idea that the moral decisions should improve character traits and that acts are not absolutely right or wrong. Instead, they can be “more” right or “more” wrong.

Examples of character traits we should develop include: integrity, humility, simplicity, fairness, modesty, love, courage, and justice.

Deontology 

The normative ethical theory that the morality of an action should be based on whether that action itself is right or wrong under a series of rules and principles.

Example: It is immoral to kill 1, and it doesn’t matter if it saves 5

Utilitarianism

The approach where an action is right if it leads to ‘the most happiness for the greatest number of people.’

Example: You should kill 1 to save 5 as there would be more people who would benefit.

Situation Ethics

The approach which holds that the correct action is the one that creates the most loving result, and that love should always be our goal. Moral choice may vary dependant on situation.

Example: You should steal from the rich and give it to the poor as the benefit to the poor would be more than the loss of the rich.

Virtue ethics

The approach that suggests that the most moral decision is the decision which develops good character traits of a person. These traits, called virtues, include things like honesty, kindness, courage, and generosity. The question isn’t ‘is it wrong?’ but is ‘what kind of person do I want to be?’

Example: A person might drop their wallet. A person with the virtue of honesty would likely return it, not because they're following a rule, but because it aligns with their character.

State Consequentialism

The approach where the best action is the one that produces the best consequences for the state. The state is a political entity, such as a country or a city.

Example: A state consequentialist might argue that it is morally permissible for a government to torture a suspected terrorist in order to obtain information that could save the lives of many people.

Mohist consequentialism

The approach which suggests that the best action is the one that promotes the welfare of the state by increasing social order, material wealth, and population.

Example: A Mohist consequentialist would also consider the impact of the war on the population, both in terms of casualties and in terms of the disruption of social order and the economy.

Intellectualism

The approach which suggests that the best action is the one that fosters and promotes knowledge.

Example: Cheating on a test is wrong as it undermines the value of education and knowledge

Welfarism

The approach which suggests that the best action is the one that most increases economic well-being or welfare.
Example: A company is deciding whether to invest in a new product or donate to charity. A welfarist would consider which action would create the most happiness and reduce the most suffering and decide that the company should donate to charity if they can still keep employing their employees.

Egoism

The approach that the moral person is the self-interested person. It holds that an action is right if it maximizes good for the self.
Example: A person would give a bus seat to themselves instead of a person who needs it.

Hedonism

The approach where pleasure is the highest good and the aim of life. It hold that an action is right if it maximizes pleasure.

Example: You should have more than one partner for maximum pleasure according to this approach.

Relativism

The approach that morality is not absolute but instead relies on the culture, society, or historical context.

Contingent

Subject to change or dependent on

Teleological

The approach where the rightness or wrongness of an action is determined by its consequences, purpose or goal.

Consequentialist

The approach where the rightness or wrongness of an action is determined by its consequences.

Divine Command

The approach where God decides morality and ethics.

Examples: Quran and Bible

Justice Theory

The approach where every individual has an equal right to basic liberties, and that they should have the right to opportunities and an equal chance as other individuals of similar ability.

Intrinsic

Apart of nature or inside.

Extrinsic

Not apart of nature or outside.