CSP - lecture 4

Dilemma

A situation in which a difficult choice must be made between two or more alternatives, especially ones that are equally undesirable.

3 dominant traditions in western moral philosophy

• Aristotelian virtue ethics

• Kant’s deontological moral theory

• Utilitarianism

Dilemma

A situation in which a difficult choice must be made between two or more alternatives, especially ones that are equally undesirable.

3 dominant traditions in western moral philosophy

• Aristotelian virtue ethics

• Kant’s deontological moral theory

• Utilitarianism

Aristotelian virtue ethics

Morality is about becoming a good person by developing good character traits.

Kant’s deontological moral theory

Morality is about doing your duty and following universal moral rules, regardless of consequences.

Utilitarianism

The right action is the one that creates the most happiness and the least suffering.

4 types of luck (Williams & Nagel)

• Constitutive luck

• Causal luck

• Circumstantial luck

• Resultant luck

Circumstantial and resultant luck

The most important types of luck for analysing the types of ethical dilemmas discussed in the essay are …

Friction

Arises from all the events that are outside personal control, including enemy’s unexpected decisions, the weather, weapons malfunctions, unreliable subordinates, or anything else that might be considered a matter of luck.