ETHICAL THEORIES IN THE 21ST CENTURY

ETHICAL THEORIES IN THE 21ST CENTURY

Ethical theories in the 21st century guide decisions concerning right and wrong in a complex, globalized world. Additionally, they balance individual freedom with social responsibility. They also emphasize cultural sensitivity and respect for diverse moral beliefs. Thus, 21st-century ethics seeks fair, thoughtful approaches to emerging global challenges.

Intersectional

ethics examines the various aspects of identity, such as gender, race, class, sexuality, and ability, combine to create unique experiences of oppression or privilege.

Multiple Identities

People have overlapping identities that shape their experiences

Interconnected Systems of Power

Different forms of disadvantage, such as economic hardship and disability, often interact and cannot be understood separately.

Social Justice and Equity

Intersectional ethics calls for tailored policies that address the specific needs of marginalized groups and promote equity across society.

Kimberlé Crenshaw (Born 1959)

coined the term "intersectionality" and highlighted how race, gender, and other factors intersect in social justice issues. She is known for her 1989 law review article, Demarginalizing the Intersection of Race and Sex.

Ethics of Care (alternatively care ethics or EoC)

is a moral theory that emphasizes relationships, empathy, and the responsibility to care for others, particularly those who depend on us. Unlike traditional theories focused on justice or universal rules, it focuses on personal connections, emotional involvement, and context in ethical decision-making.

Relational and Interdependent Nature

Humans are inherently relational beings, and ethics should consider the impact of our actions on relationships and those we care for.

Moral Importance of Emotions

Emotions such as empathy, compassion, and concern are essential to guiding ethical behavior.

Responsibility to Care

This approach emphasizes the responsibility to care for those who are dependent on us, such as children, elderly family members, or vulnerable individuals.

Carol Gilligan (Born 1936)

A psychologist and ethicist, Gilligan challenged traditional malecentered models of moral development. She is best known for her book In a Different Voice (1982), which argues that women’s moral reasoning emphasizes care, relationships, and context over abstract justice principles.

Animal Ethics

examines how humans should treat animals and the moral implications of our actions towards them. It questions whether animals deserve moral consideration, rights, and humane treatment in areas like farming, research, and conservation. It intersects with environmental ethics, bioethics, and ecology, focusing on issues like animal testing, as well as pet ownership and endangered species protection.

Moral Consideration for Animals

This concept questions whether animals have moral status and whether their well-being should influence human decisions.

Animal Rights

This principle argues that animals have inherent rights, such as the right to life and freedom from suffering, which should be legally protected.

Animal Welfare

This concept ensures animals are treated humanely and their well-being is prioritized, even when used for human purposes.

Peter Singer (Born 1946)

An Australian philosopher best known for his book Animal Liberation (1975), which argues for the ethical treatment of animals and challenges society’s views on animal rights. Singer's utilitarian approach to animal ethics stresses that the ability to suffer, rather than intelligence or species, should determine how we treat animals.