ethics

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Humber College *

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2090

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Philosophy

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Jan 9, 2024

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Deontology is a moral theory that emphasizes the importance of following rules, principles, or duties when determining the moral rightness of an action. It places a strong emphasis on the intentions behind actions and the inherent nature of those actions themselves. Two key concepts within deontology are duty and intention : 1. Duty : In deontology, actions are deemed morally right if they align with one's duties or obligations. Immanuel Kant, a prominent deontologist, believed that moral duties are derived from reason and can be universalized as principles that apply to all rational beings. For example, the duty to tell the truth is based on the principle that lying undermines trust and rational communication. 2. Intention : Deontology also places great importance on the intention or motive behind an action. Kant argued that a morally right action must be motivated by a sense of duty and a commitment to following moral principles, rather than being driven by personal desires or consequences. A good intention can make an action morally acceptable, even if it leads to negative consequences. Kant's Categorical Imperative is a central concept in his moral philosophy. It presents the idea of moral duties as absolute and unconditional. Two versions of the categorical imperative are: 1. Universal Law Formula : Act only according to that maxim by which you can at the same time will that it should become a universal law. This formula requires individuals to consider whether the principle behind their action could be consistently applied as a universal rule without generating contradictions.

2. Humanity Formula : Act in such a way that you treat humanity, whether in your own person or in the person of any other, never merely as a means to an end, but always at the same time as an end. This formula emphasizes the inherent value and dignity of rational beings and prohibits using them as mere tools for achieving one's goals. The role of rationality in these formulations is to guide individuals in determining the morality of their actions by assessing whether their principles and intentions can be consistently applied and respect the dignity of all rational beings. Utilitarianism is a consequentialist moral theory that focuses on maximizing overall happiness or well-being. Its main aspects include the principle of the greatest happiness for the greatest number and the emphasis on evaluating actions based on their outcomes. The advantages of utilitarianism include its focus on promoting overall well-being and its ability to provide clear guidance in decision-making. However, drawbacks include challenges in quantifying and comparing different types of happiness and potential issues with sacrificing individual rights for the greater good. Differences and Similarities between Utilitarianism and Kantian Ethics :  Differences : Utilitarianism prioritizes consequences and overall happiness, while Kantian ethics prioritize duty, intention, and the inherent nature of actions. Utilitarianism is more flexible in assessing actions based on outcomes, whereas Kantian ethics have a stricter set of principles. Additionally, utilitarianism can lead to morally questionable actions if the consequences are deemed beneficial, whereas Kantian ethics emphasize the intrinsic moral worth of actions.

 Similarities : Both theories seek to provide guidance for moral decision-making. They emphasize the importance of rationality in determining moral principles and actions. Both theories aim for universality and provide frameworks for evaluating the moral status of actions. Ross's Theory of Prima Facie Duties attempts to address the problem of conflicting duties that can arise in deontological ethics. Prima facie duties are fundamental moral principles that hold unless overridden by stronger duties in particular situations. Ross proposed a list of prima facie duties, including duties of fidelity, reparation, gratitude, non-maleficence, beneficence, self- improvement, and justice. This theory acknowledges that real-life situations can involve competing duties and allows for a more flexible approach to moral decision-making. Moral pluralism is the view that there are multiple, distinct moral principles or values that may be equally valid and applicable in different situations. It differs from moral relativism , which suggests that morality is subjective and dependent on cultural or individual beliefs, without any objective moral truths. Hobbes's Social Contract Theory posits that individuals in a state of nature would enter into a social contract to establish a sovereign authority in order to escape a chaotic and brutish existence. The major claims of Hobbes's theory include the idea that people are motivated by self-interest, and they voluntarily surrender certain rights to a sovereign power in exchange for protection and order. John Rawls's Model of Distributive Justice is characterized by the concept of the veil of ignorance , where individuals make decisions about societal structures without knowing their

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own position in society. Rawls argues that rational individuals, under the veil of ignorance, would choose principles of justice that ensure equal basic liberties for all and allow social and economic inequalities only if they benefit the least advantaged. Aristotle's Virtue Ethics focuses on cultivating virtuous character traits to achieve eudaimonia, often translated as "human flourishing" or "well-being." Moral virtues are habits that lie between deficiency and excess and are developed through practice and reason. Practical wisdom (phronesis) guides individuals in applying virtues to real-life situations. The function of humans, according to Aristotle, is to engage in rational activity and fulfill their potential as rational beings. Ethics of Care emphasizes relationships, empathy, and interconnectedness as central to moral decision-making. It highlights the importance of caring for others and addresses the needs of vulnerable individuals. Unlike traditional moral theories, the ethics of care places less emphasis on abstract principles and more on concrete relationships and situational contexts. Carol Gilligan proposed that men and women often approach moral dilemmas differently. She suggested that men often prioritize principles of justice and rights, focusing on abstract rules, while women tend to emphasize caring, relationships, and responsibilities in their moral reasoning. Applicability to Real-Life Situations : The most applicable moral theory to real-life situations depends on the specific context and values involved. Utilitarianism's focus on maximizing overall happiness can provide practical guidance in many situations, especially when dealing

with issues of public policy or resource allocation. Its emphasis on outcomes and consequences can help address complex problems. The least applicable theory might be Kantian ethics due to its strict adherence to duty and principles, which can sometimes lead to rigid and impractical results in real-world scenarios. Kantian ethics may struggle to provide clear guidance when duties conflict or when assessing actions with morally complex intentions but unintended negative consequences.

ethics

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