Ethics - An Overview

Defining Ethics

  • Definition #1 (Everyday Usage): A coherent way of life based on moral values.

  • Definition #2 (Professional Usage): A philosophical study focusing on moral behavior and justification.

  • Normative Ethics (Applied): How to act/live.

  • Theoretical Ethics: Investigation of why actions are right or wrong.

Metaethics and Morality

  • Metaethics: Evaluates moral systems; akin to nutrition for cultural diets.

  • Questions:

    • Is morality rational or irrational?

    • Non-Cognitivist: Morality is irrational (e.g., Emotivism).

    • Cognitivist: Morality is rational.

    • Does authority of ethical claims apply universally or only to some?

    • Relativism: Authority is specific to groups or individuals.

    • Universalism: Authority applies to all.

Universal Moral Theories

  • Deontology: Rule/law-based ethics.

  • Consequentialism: Focuses on outcomes.

  • Natural Law: Based on nature.

  • Confucianism: Emphasizes roles and social positions.

  • Care Ethics: Centers on relationships.

  • Virtue Ethics: Character-based.

Ancient vs. Modern Ethics

  • Modern Ethics Q: What is the right thing to do?

  • Ancient Ethics Q: What is the right way to live?

Philosophical Inquiry

  • Key Questions:

    • Nature of moral inquiry.

    • Importance of skepticism towards established truths.

  • Concepts:

    • Autonomy: Self-governance.

    • Heteronomy: External authority.

    • Self-Realization: Pursuit of truth in ethical living.

Primer on Key Philosophical Concepts

Metaphysics

  • Ontology: Study of being and reality.

  • Monism: One fundamental substance (e.g., physical matter).

  • Dualism: Two fundamental substances (e.g., mind and body).

Free Will & Determinism

  • Strict Determinism: Present determined by past states.

  • Free Will: Some choices are not governed by specific laws.

  • Compatibilism: Reconciliation between free will and determinism.

Epistemology

  • Classic Account of Knowledge: "Justified true belief."

  • Skepticism vs. Doubt: Skepticism questions the quality of understanding versus the possibility of perfect understanding.

  • Moral Knowledge vs. Opinion: Moral knowledge is justified true beliefs about morality; opinions lack information.

Practical Application

  • Ethics Study: Aims for a deeper understanding of moral claims and beliefs through metaethics.