Ethical Theories and Decision Making Five theoretical approaches Moral decision making Deciding current issues
Ethical Theories Consequentialist – which goal? 1. Social Utilitarian/Pragmatism Who benefits? What is the probability of benefit?
Ethical Theories Deontological – which rule? 2. Duty We have a duty to do good to other people, not evil. Two test to know our duty are: will that everyone would act as I plan to act treat people as ends, not as means only
Rights 3. Natural Law – things are naturally good or evil Ethical Theories 4. Divine Command – God made things good or evil
Voluntarist – which virtue? 5. Character – moral ideal Justice Love Ethical Theories
Not a Theory Relativism Social relativism Personal relativism Deconstruction Post-modernism
Deriviation of Ethics Conduct Character Consequentialism Deontology Law/Command Virtue What action? What good? What is right? Who is good? Utility Duty Rights Virtue (everyone) (imperative) (nature, given) (attitude, intuition)
Ethical & Moral Issues Abortion Cloning/DNA Economic Justice Environment Equality Euthanasia Globalization War
Arguments in Ethics Identify an issue Define the major sides on the issue Define the key points of each argument Define the differences between the arguments Make your own argument for the side of the differences you choose State a conclusion based on the previous argument
Personal Moral Decision Making Study the case & clarify the key issue Identify relevant criteria for a decision Determine possible theorys & actions Decide which action solves the problem or resolves the case
Decision making problems Generalizing Oversimplification Double standards My answer is best – pride Unwarranted assumptions Unintended consequences
Making the Decision - 1 Who are the stakeholders? What is at issue? What will create a win-win solution? Use a Decision Matrix
Making the Decision –2 Use a Decision Matrix Factor 1 Factor 2 Factor 3 Factor 4 Factor 5 Alt 1 Alt 2 Alt 3 Alt 4 Alt 5 Alt 6