Ethic snew rohtak

Ethics Overview

  • Definition: A rational study of the rules of conduct known as morals that describe how people should behave.

Ethical Dilemma

  • Scenario: A pregnant woman is stuck in the mouth of a cave, and high tide is approaching.

    • There is a potential solution involving dynamite, but it poses a moral question about sacrificing one for the sake of many.

I. Ethical Theories

  • Relativism: Can be divided into:

    • Subjective Relativism

    • Cultural Relativism

  • Human Relativism

  • Divine Command Theory

  • Kantianism

  • Utilitarianism: Act vs. Rule

  • Social Contract Theory

A. Subjective Relativism

  • No universal moral norms of right and wrong.

  • Each person decides right and wrong for themselves.

  • Pros: Emphasizes individual freedom.

  • Cons:

    • Can lead to a meaningless morality.

    • No rational basis for decisions.

B. Cultural Relativism

  • Right and wrong are determined by culture.

  • Pros:

    • Accepts cultural differences.

  • Cons:

    • Difficulties in judging other cultures.

    • Reconciliation can be problematic.

C. Human Relativism

  • Places humans first and aims for human freedom.

  • Pros:

    • Promotes no discrimination and supports solidarity.

  • Cons:

    • Needs a significant social change first.

D. Divine Command Theory

  • Good is aligned with God’s will.

  • Pros:

    • Provides moral clarity through divine authority.

  • Cons:

    • The identity of 'God' raises questions, especially in multicultural contexts.

E. Kantianism (Immanuel Kant)

  • Emphasizes actions based on moral rules.

  • Categorical Imperatives:

    • First Formulation: Only act on maxims that can be universalized.

    • Second Formulation: Treat others as ends in themselves, not merely as means to an end.

Positive Aspects of Kantianism

  • Rationality: Enables logical determination of moral actions.

  • Establishes universal moral guidelines.

  • Treats all individuals as moral equals.

Negative Aspects of Kantianism

  • Sometimes, a single rule is inadequate.

  • Conflicts between rules may arise without resolution.

  • Does not allow exceptions to any moral rules.

F. Utilitarianism

  • Act Utilitarianism:

    • Actions are right if they increase total happiness and wrong if they decrease it.

  • Rule Utilitarianism:

    • Rules are right if they promote total happiness.

  • Comparison with Kantianism:

    • Both pertain to rules but differ in approach (Utilitarianism focuses on outcomes while Kantianism on moral rules).

Positive Aspects of Utilitarianism

  • Simplifies moral calculations compared to case-by-case evaluations.

  • Allows for easier resolution of conflicting rules.

  • Acknowledges the need for moral considerations in social contexts.

Negative Aspects of Utilitarianism

  • Uses a single measure for all moral evaluations, which can be problematic.

  • Difficulty in measuring consequences, particularly non-monetary ones.

  • May ignore unjust distribution of happiness.

G. Social Contract Theory

  • Morality consists of rules governed by mutual agreement for benefit.

Positive Aspects of Social Contract Theory

  • Uses rights-based language that resonates with individuals.

  • Explains the rationale behind self-interested actions in society.

Negative Aspects of Social Contract Theory

  • Issues arise if individuals do not agree to the contract.

  • Multiple interpretations of actions can complicate matters.

  • Sometimes unfair to those unable to fulfill contractual obligations.