Notes on Session 06: Ethics

Introduction to Ethics

  • Definition of Ethics: Derived from the Greek word "eché" meaning character. It is the study of right and wrong in human conduct.

  • Purpose of Ethics: To interpret human behavior by distinguishing between right and wrong through established systems of argumentation.

  • Philosophical Origins: Ethics has roots in ancient Greek philosophy, focusing on human life, society, and morality. Fr. Austin Fagothey emphasizes knowledge, voluntariness, and freedom in moral actions.

6.1 Ethical Theories

  • Ethical Theories: Aimed at understanding human behavior and the determination of right and wrong based on societal standards. Ethical codes evolve from these theories.

  • Common Ethical Theories:

    • Consequentialism

    • Deontology

    • Human Nature

    • Relativism

    • Hedonism

    • Emotivism

6.1.1 Consequentialism

  • Core Idea: Actions are evaluated based on their outcomes.

    • Types of Consequentialism:

    • Egoism: Prioritizes personal well-being.

      • Ethical Egoism: Suggests how people should behave for self-interest.

      • Psychological Egoism: Describes how people actually behave.

      • Example: A family focusing on individual happiness for overall familial well-being.

    • Utilitarianism: Prioritizes the greatest good for the largest number of people.

      • Act Utilitarianism: Evaluates each action for consequences.

      • Rule Utilitarianism: Emphasizes adherence to rules that maximize happiness.

    • Altruism: Actions are right if they promote the well-being of others over the actor's self-interest.

6.1.2 Deontology

  • Core Idea: Morality of an action is based on the intention behind it rather than its consequences.

  • Example: Killing an intruder may be justified as it protects one’s family, thus considered morally good under deontology.

6.1.3 Human Nature

  • Core Idea: Measures human actions against inherent capabilities to achieve happiness, serving as a benchmark for moral actions.

6.1.4 Relativism

  • Core Idea: Denies universal moral norms; right and wrong are based on societal or cultural contexts and can evolve over time.

6.1.5 Hedonism

  • Core Idea: Pursuit of pleasure is seen as the highest good. All actions are aimed at maximizing pleasure or minimizing pain. Modern interpretations equate "joy" with happiness.

6.1.6 Emotivism

  • Core Idea: Ethical statements are expressions of emotional responses and cannot be definitively proven true or false.

6.2 Ethical Reasoning and Decision Making

  • Definition: Ethical reasoning integrates ethical principles into cognitive processes for problem-solving.

  • Everyday Decisions: Everyday decisions often require ethical reasoning to avoid conflicts and promote moral judgment.

  • Steps in Ethical Decision Making:

    • Recognizing ethical conflicts

    • Identifying parties involved

    • Exploring alternatives

    • Knowledge of ethical practices

    • Assessing impacts of decisions

6.2.1 A Framework for Ethical Decision Making

  • Elements of a solid ethical decision-making framework can prevent and minimize conflicts and their consequences.

6.2.2 Making and Evaluating Ethical Arguments

  • Ethical problems often follow structured solutions similar to algorithms in math. The process involves:

    • Clarifying the problem

    • Gathering relevant facts

    • Assessing various options

    • Weighing implications of each option to find the best alternative.

  • Importance of valid reasoning: Ensures that premises in arguments are true to validate conclusions.

Review Questions

  • 6.1: Write down different definitions of ethics with their authors.

  • 6.2: What are the features measured in human nature?

  • 6.3: Describe five ethical theories.

  • 6.4: Write down ethics applicable in your daily life.

  • 6.5: Identify a real-world problem and describe how to solve it using decision-making principles.