ShawnaKoonFinalReflection
docx
keyboard_arrow_up
School
Saint Louis University *
*We aren’t endorsed by this school
Course
2055
Subject
Philosophy
Date
Dec 6, 2023
Type
docx
Pages
10
Uploaded by DeaconSpider3718
The Dance of Ethical Pathways
The Dance of Ethical Pathways:
Reflections on Kantianism, Virtue Ethics, and Lying
Shawna L. Koon
Saint Louis University - School for Professional Studies
PHIL 2055: Ethics, Justice, & the Person
October 15, 2023
The Dance of Ethical Pathways
2
Introduction
Ethical theories and concepts play a crucial role in understanding and guiding our
decisions. During this course, we examined various issues and ethical frameworks that
challenged our understanding of moral dilemmas. In this essay, I delve into three of the areas we
explored in the course – Kantianism, Virtue Ethics, and the concept of lying – and discuss how
they have influenced my perspective on ethical decision making. I will summarize their key
ideas, provide examples, and reflect on how these philosophical perspectives affect my own
beliefs and insight on morality.
Part One: Kantianism
A Deontological Perspective - Duty & Universalizability
Kantian ethics represents a deontological approach to a normative theory in that it
emphasizes the importance of duty, not the consequences of action, as the foundations for ethical
behavior.
Key Ideas and Examples:
1.
Categorical Imperative:
The central concept of Kantian ethics is the categorical
imperative, a moral principle that demands one should act in a way that can be
universally applied. It emphasizes treating individuals as ends in themselves, with dignity
and respect.
2.
Good Will:
Kant emphasized that the worthiness of actions lies in the motive behind
them. He considered good will, guided by reason and moral duty, as the highest moral
virtue.
The Dance of Ethical Pathways
3
3.
Moral Autonomy:
Kant believed in the moral autonomy of individuals, asserting that
people have the capacity to determine moral rules for themselves, guided by reason.
4.
Examples:
To give you an idea, when organizations or governments make decisions, they
are expected to consider the dignity of, and autonomy of all individuals involved without
discrimination. Another example, in a business context, Kantian principles would require
treating employees and customers with respect and fairness, rather than exploiting them
for personal gain.
Challenging and Confirming Views:
Kantianism challenged my previous belief that consequences are the sole measure of
ethicality. It confirmed the idea that ethics should be grounded in moral principles and not solely
determined by outcomes.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Strengths:
Universal Application:
The categorical imperative provides a clear standard for moral
decision-making that can be universally applied.
Respect for Human Dignity:
Kantian ethics emphasizes treating individuals with
respect and dignity as inherently valuable beings.
Emphasis on Reason:
Kant’s focus on rationality provides a logical and consistent
foundation for ethical principles.
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help
The Dance of Ethical Pathways
4
Weaknesses:
Rigid Application:
Critics argue that Kantian ethics can be inflexible in certain situations
and fails to adequately address morally complex dilemmas. It does not account for
situational context or personal circumstances.
Adverse Consequences:
If telling the truth would cause harm to someone, Kant would
still argue that it is the right thing to do. This absolutist approach can sometimes lead to
undesirable outcomes.
Lack of Guidance:
Kantianism does not offer explicit guidance on specific moral issues,
leaving room for interpretation and potential conflicts.
Reflection and Impact:
Kantian ethics offers a valuable perspective by prioritizing principles of moral duty and
the inherent worth of individuals. It challenges us to consider the motives behind our actions
rather than just the outcomes. Kantianism promotes a society where individuals are treated with
respect and fairness, contributing to a more just and principled world. Its impact is evident in the
promotion of human rights and justice in society today and remains a significant philosophical
approach to ethics. Reflecting on Kant’s philosophy only reinforces my prior beliefs and attitudes
about how we should treat others.
Part Two: Virtue Ethics
The Quest for Excellence – Character Development
Virtue ethics is a moral philosophy that focuses on the character of individuals and
emphasizes the importance of cultivating virtuous
qualities to achieve a morally good life. Unlike other
ethical theories that concentrate on rules (deontological
The Dance of Ethical Pathways
5
ethics) or consequences (utilitarianism), virtue ethics places significance on the development of
good character traits.
Key Ideas and Examples:
1.
Focus on Virtues:
Virtue ethics identifies specific virtues, such as honesty, courage,
kindness, and integrity, as fundamental to ethical behavior. These virtues guide
individuals in making moral decisions.
2.
Eudaimonia (Flourishing):
Virtue ethicists argue that living a virtuous life leads to
eudaimonia, which translates to human flourishing or a life well-lived. Virtuous actions
contribute to personal fulfillment and happiness.
3.
Emphasis on Moral Exemplars:
Virtue ethics often looks to moral exemplars,
individuals renowned for their virtuous character, as role models. Observing and
emulating these figures can inspire others to cultivate virtues.
Challenging and Confirming Views:
Virtue ethics challenged my previous belief that ethical decisions are solely based on
rules or consequences. It confirmed the idea that moral character matters and that virtues are
essential for a genuinely ethical life.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Strengths:
Holistic Approach:
Virtue ethics considers the entirety of a person’s character, offering a
comprehensive view of morality.
Flexibility:
Virtue ethics allows for flexibility in decision-making, considering context
and individual differences.
The Dance of Ethical Pathways
6
Emphasis on Personal Development:
It encourages individuals to grow morally,
fostering a continuous journey towards virtue.
Weaknesses:
Lack of Clear Guidelines:
Critics argue that virtue ethics lacks specific guidelines for
action, making it challenging to determine the right course of action in complex
situations.
Cultural Variability:
Virtues and vices can be interpreted differently across cultures,
leading to potential moral relativism.
Impact on Society:
Virtue ethics promotes a society where individuals strive to be virtuous, leading to a more
compassionate and empathetic community. By focusing on character development, it encourages
people to consider the moral implications of their actions, fostering a more ethical society.
Part Three: The Concepts of Lying
The Dilemma of Honesty – An Ethical Quandary
Lying fundamentally, is the act of intentionally deceiving others by providing false
information. Ethical and moral issues surrounding lying are complex and have been debated by
philosophers and scholars for centuries.
Insights on Duplicity
1.
Unjust Nature of Lying:
Lying is generally considered unjust due to its potential to harm
individuals, erode trust, and weakens the foundation of ethical societies. It often violates
the principle of truthfulness, which is central to
ethical behavior. Lying damages relationships and
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help
The Dance of Ethical Pathways
7
violates fairness and respect. When we lie, we deny others the opportunity to make
informed decisions based on the truth.
2.
Importance of Honesty:
Honesty is crucial for maintaining trust in personal
relationships, professional settings, and society at large. It fosters transparency,
accountability, and authenticity, ultimately leading to more stable and cooperative
communities. Honesty allows individuals to build meaningful connections.
3.
Ethical Philosophies on Lying:
Virtue Ethics (Aristotle):
Virtue ethics emphasizes the importance of cultivating
virtues and development of moral character. Lying is seen as a deviation from virtues
such as honesty and integrity, and is considered unethical. Aristotle believed in
finding a balance between extremes. He acknowledged that lying could be
permissible in certain circumstances, however, he stressed the importance of
truthfulness as a virtue.
Kantianism (Immanuel Kant):
Kantian ethics prescribes that lying is always wrong,
as it treats others as mere means to an end rather than as ends in themselves instead of
respecting their autonomy and worth.
Natural Law (Thomas Aquinas):
Natural law argues that lying goes against the
basic principle of human nature and reason, making it morally wrong. It goes against
the inherent purpose of communication.
Aquinas argued that we should preserve
truthfulness.
Utilitarianism:
Utilitarians consider the
consequences of lying; if a lie leads to
The Dance of Ethical Pathways
8
maximizing overall happiness, it may be considered morally justifiable. However, this
approach is often critiqued for overlooking individual rights.
4.
Societal Impact:
Lying can harm social cohesion, damage relationships, and contribute
to a culture of distrust, increase skepticism, lead to social fragmentation, causes conflicts
and negative emotions. In today’s world, misinformation and deception have been
amplified through technology, making honesty more important than ever for a well
functioning society. I have personally experienced the betrayal and pain created from lies.
We need honesty to deepen our bond with each other, create authentic relationships, and
for social cooperation and progress. This course has reaffirmed my belief that lying is
unjustifiable in all circumstances and that honesty as a character trait should be upheld
regardless of the contexts.
5.
Factors Influencing Lying:
Personal and situational factors, such as fear, self-interest,
the desire for personal gain, a greater good, protection of others or ourr self-image can all
affect the choice to be dishonest/lie. Additionally, cultur
al norms and individual values
play a role in shaping people’s attitudes towards lying.
Part Four: Realization & Reflection
While my prior views were not entirely discarded, they were refined and expanded
through new knowledge acquired from this course. By critically engaging with the course
content, I have developed a more informed perspective on ethics, personal values, and beliefs.
Reflecting has only reinforced my prior beliefs and attitudes about how we should treat others.
Conclusion
In summation, this newfound understanding will undoubtedly shape my future ethical
choices and attitudes towards moral issues. This course has enabled me to appreciate the
The Dance of Ethical Pathways
9
diversity of ethical perspectives and the importance of considering multiple viewpoints. It has
expanded my knowledge and also encouraged me to reflect on my own beliefs. Importance of
incorporating multiple ethical frameworks into my moral framework. Rather than viewing them
as conflicting pathways. I now see them as interconnected avenues (pathways) that enrich our
understanding of morality and guide our actions.
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help
The Dance of Ethical Pathways
10
References
Bonhoeffer, D., & Smith, N. H. (1955).
Ethics
. Macmillan.
Boyd, C. A., & Thorsen, D. (2018).
Christian ethics and Moral Philosophy: An Introduction to
issues and approaches
. Baker Academic, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
Shafer-Landau, R. (2021).
The Ethical Life: Fundamental Readings in Ethics and moral
problems
. Oxford University Press.
YouTube. (2016a, November 7).
Natural law theory: Crash course philosophy #34
. YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_UfYY7aWKo
YouTube. (2016b, November 21).
Utilitarianism: Crash course philosophy #36
. YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-a739VjqdSI