Ethics

Universal moral theories

Universal moral theories

ethical theories that propose a set of principles or rules that apply to all individuals and culture.

Jeremy Bentham and utilitarianism

The morality of an action is determined solely by its consequences. Morality should be useful and provide good consequences. Happiness is the untimed goal or has the greatest utility.

Subjective theories

more subjective and are based on individual opinions or feelings

Rule utilitarianism

considers the consequence, focused on the general rules that make people happy.

Act utilitarianism

looks at each action to see if it will result in greatest overall

John Stuart Mill View on Utilitarianism

Some pleasures are higher, or more desirable, than others.

John emphasized the quality of pleasure and that certain pleasures such as intellectual or moral pleasures were

Bentham

focused on maximizing the quantity of pleasure.

Social reformer very influential in thinking that led American and French revolution.

1st categorical imperative

says we should only do things that we would want everyone else to do too.

2nd categorical imperative

we should treat people as important and not just use them for our own benefit.

Retributive justice

requires punishment for wrongdoing in proportion to the magnitude of the crime.

Distributive Justice

the fair distribution of benefits and burdens in a society

Veil of Ignorance

Concept introduced by John Rawls that is about our position of advantage or disadvantage in life (ex: anonymous vote because it an unbiased way that that promotes fairness)

Aristotle's idea of Eudaimonia

.1. Life and self-preservation

2.Procreation

3. Knowledge

Liberty Rights

the right to be left alone to pursue legitimate interest without interference from the government and other people.

Welfare Rights

The right to receive certain social good such as education, medical care, and police protection.

Virtue

Virtue is about right being over right action, or in one's case doing what's right and living up to higher moral ideals. (ex: acts of honestly, kindness to others, being respectful, practicing empathy)

Vice

is a character trait that is used to act in a manner that harms one's self or others (ex: dishonesty, greed, laziness, arrogance)

Aristoteles doctrine of mean

Finding in moderation middle ground seeking middle path. (ex: A person practicing honestly while also considering how their honestly and truthfulness will affect others finding the middle of being too truthful and to dishonest.)

Habituation in Aristotle's idea

Moral Education and habituation. Practice like a craft -must practice and look to examples. Act your way into thinking andbeing.

Deontology

Duty-doing what is right for its own sake. Morality is based on duty.

Natural Law Theory

Morality is universal and grounded in humans' rational nature.

Rights Based Ethics

Idea that all humans are created in the image of God and that, Therefore, all humans should have equal rights.