Religion 35 Ethical Theorists/Philosophers Notes

Ethical Theorists / Philosophers

Introduction to Ethical Theorists

  • Examination of major ethical theorists to enhance understanding of ethics:

    • Aristotle

    • Immanuel Kant

    • Emmanuel Levinas

    • St. Thomas Aquinas

Aristotle

  • Overview of Aristotle:

    • Greek philosopher renowned for his influence.

    • Lived from 384 to 322 BC.

    • His philosophy was rediscovered by St. Thomas Aquinas (AD 1225-1274) and integrated into church teachings.

  • Famous Quote:

    • "Happiness is the meaning and the purpose of life, the whole aim and end of human existence." - Aristotle (Goalcast)

  • Teleological Ethics:

    • Definition: “Teleological” refers to the design or purpose of something, signaling its full potential.

    • Ethical behavior involves achieving "the good" through rational actions, leading to full human potential.

    • Good character is developed through reason, allowing moral behavior under various circumstances.

    • It's essential to cultivate virtues (habits) that guide ethical actions across situations.

  • Concept of Happiness:

    • Happiness is derived from living within a community.

    • Distinction between happiness and pleasure:

    • Pleasure is transient and momentary.

    • True happiness is associated with the condition of a good person who successfully lives and acts well.

  • Reflection Activity:

    • Questions to contemplate:

    • What is your telos (ultimate purpose)?

    • What does a fulfilling life look like for you?

    • Describe what your life would need to be like at age 65 for you to feel you lived well. (Prepare to discuss in paragraph format)

St. Thomas Aquinas

  • Overview:

    • A significant figure in Western philosophy and theology, referred to as the “angelic Doctor.”

    • Merged Greek philosophical concepts with Christian faith.

  • Key Questions:

    • What constitutes human happiness?

    • Can happiness be attained in this life?

  • Philosophical Approach:

    • Applied reason and logic reminiscent of Aristotle to demonstrate:

    • The existence of God.

    • The harmony between scientific and religious truth.

Immanuel Kant

  • Background:

    • Prussian philosopher (1724-1804), known for his role during the Enlightenment.

  • Understanding Choices:

    • Advocate for exploring how individuals make choices; acknowledged that behavior transcends empirical study.

    • Emphasized that human actions are not purely impulsive, referring to this as "practical reason."

  • Deontological Ethics:

    • Concept: Ethics of duty (deontological) measuring moral duty based on motives rather than outcomes.

    • Requirements for Achieving Supreme Good:

    1. God: Essential to prevent chaos in moral actions.

    2. Freedom: Natural ability to fulfill duties.

    3. Immortality: Supreme good cannot be achieved within a single lifetime.

  • Individual Ethics:

    • Kant's ethics center on personal autonomy and individual moral convictions.

    • Defined “good will”: The human intention to fulfill one’s duty solely for its ethical merit.

    • Ethical actions hold true moral worth if motivated purely by duty.

  • Categorical Imperative:

    • A necessary concept for making ethical decisions; refer to the supplemental video for clarification.

Emmanuel Levinas

  • Overview:

    • Jewish philosopher (1905-1995), deeply impacted by the experiences of the Holocaust.

    • A modern philosopher with contemporary relevance.

  • Philosophical Focus:

    • Central question revolves around the good and each person's uniqueness as a trace of the Good (God).

  • Ethics of the “Face”:

    • Interactive Experience: When encountering another person, especially a stranger (the other), there’s a temptation to categorize them simplistically.

    • A genuine face-to-face interaction reveals their uniqueness and evokes responsibility to help.

    • The face of another—particularly one in need—demands recognition, holding us accountable.

    • Responding to this ethical responsibility reflects our humane vocation and connection to the divine.

Diverse Ethical Responses

  • Each philosopher approaches ethical dilemmas distinctly, yet all responses remain rooted in ethical frameworks.

  • Reflect on how each philosopher might address various ethical scenarios presented.

Practical Application of Ethics

  • Decision Making:

    • Constantly making decisions necessitates aligning our actions with ethical principles, ideally ensuring that those principles are sound and justified.

Challenges in Ethics

  • Addressing uncertainties in determining the correctness of our ethical beliefs.

  • Recognizing that ethics and morality evolve through influences and experiences.

  • Striving for better influences and insights, even when the truth is challenging to uncover.

Ethical Issues in Contemporary Society

  • Key ethical discussions include:

    • Right to life issues (e.g., abortion, euthanasia, assisted suicide).

    • Medical ethics (e.g., stem cell research).

    • Moral implications of war and terrorism.

    • Social justice topics (e.g., oppression, animal rights, worker rights).

    • Human subject research.

  • These topics will be elaborated upon later in the course.

Summary of Ethical Perspectives

  • The essence of ethics is rooted in humanity's quest for good.

  • Ethical considerations are intrinsic to human nature, presuming our acceptance of responsibility for decisions and actions.

Key Philosophical Points

  • Aristotle: Happiness is the ultimate aim of a good life.

  • Kant: Moral duty and obligation reflect a good will.

  • Levinas: The ethical significance of the face of the other symbolizes a trace of the Good or God.

Class Activities

  • Complete questions #1-14 during the next class; bring your laptop or tablet for participation.