II - PEOPLE AND ETHICS

Introduction to Modern Moral Theories

  • Rationalist Theories

    • Morality is based on reason.

    • Value can be classified into two types:

      • Tangible value

      • Intangible value

  • Sentimentalist Theories

    • Morality is based on the effects and consequences.

    • Emphasizes feelings over reason in assessing moral situations.

African Ethics

  • Core Characteristics

    • Humanistic in nature, focusing on right and wrong actions.

    • Emphasizes good character and moral behavior.

    • Promotes social harmony and satisfactory relations.

  • Importance of Character

    • Central to African ethics; a good life requires a good character.

    • Metaphysical view highlights collective responsibility within the community.

  • Role of Duty

    • Society has a duty to impart moral knowledge through moral education, often through proverbs and folktales.

    • Members must act according to the community's moral codes.

  • Knowing vs. Doing

    • Individuals may know moral rules but fail to apply them without proper character.

    • Character is shaped through repeated actions and habits.

Chinese Ethics

  • Fundamental Questions

    • How should one live a worthwhile life?

    • Balancing duties to family versus duties to society.

    • Understanding human nature's predispositions towards good or bad.

  • Interconnectedness of Personal, Social, and Political

    • The Chinese ethical perspective often sees these aspects as intertwined.

    • Example from Analects highlights family loyalty versus public justice.

  • Practical Ethics

    • Ethical dilemmas require practical solutions.

    • Skepticism on achieving final resolutions to ethical problems.

Obedience in Confucian Ethics

  • Confucius discussions on the relationship between children and parents.

  • Emphasizes obeying parents unless it conflicts with higher moral standards.

  • Loyalty is prioritized according to relationships, prioritizing family over rulers.

Indian and Tibetan Buddhist Ethics

  • Buddhist Teachings

    • Guides on living ethically and developing compassion.

    • Framework for understanding character traits affecting self and others.

  • Adapting to Reality

    • Morality transcends rules with advanced spiritual development.

    • Encourages non-violence and harmony with nature.

  • Dealing with Violence

    • Offers guidance on acting with compassion during unavoidable violence.

Caribbean Ethics

  • Cultural Ethics

    • Emphasizes manners and behavior as moral indicators.

    • Concepts of bad character and societal expectations.

  • Garvey’s Influence

    • Success as a collective achievement rather than individual.

    • Ethically reflects the greatness of a community, rooted in spiritual beliefs.

  • Equity and Justice

    • Focuses on overcoming oppression through a moral framework.

Summary of Ethical Theories

  • Ethics Overview

    • The study of how we ought to live, examining the relationship between good actions and their consequences.

    • Important links between knowledge, belief, and moral actions.

    • Explores morality across cultures, emphasizing their paths towards societal harmony and ethical living.