Obligation: Contemplating the Good, the Right, and the Ought Module 4 Obligation: Contemplating the Good, the Right, and the Ought Module 4

Module 4 Preview Definition of Ethics Differing Approaches to Ethical Thoughts The Relationship between Ethics and Obligation Thinking Forward Scenario 3 Identifying our Sense of Obligation Identifying Relevant Roles & Responsibilities Awareness of Obligation Obligation Statement An Alignment between Perspective, Purpose & Obligation Module 4

Thinking Forward Scenario Insight and an Unexpected Dilemma Exercise Part 1 Module 4

Where do we get our sense of obligation from? Fundamental Question Where do we get our sense of obligation from? Module 4

Three Approaches to Ethical Thought The Good, the Right, the Ought. Virtue Ethics Formalism Utilitarianism Although there are numerous ways to explore ethics, examining the merits of these three approaches may be most beneficial for policing professionals. Module 4

Three Approaches to Ethical Thought Socrates 470- 399 B.C. Virtue Ethics Formalism Utilitarianism Plato 428- 348 B.C. Aristotle 384- 322 B.C. Key Concepts: WISDOM HEIRARCHY VIRTUE HABIT Ultimately an individual must seek the right things in the proper ways in order to be virtuous and ethically sound. Module 4

Three Approaches to Ethical Thought Formalism Virtue Ethics Utilitarianism Emmanuel Kant 1724 –1804 Key Concepts: DUTY & OBLIGATION CATEGORICAL IMPERATIVE PRACTICAL Never use people as a means to an end. If it doesn't make for a good universal rule do not do it. Module 4

Three Approaches to Ethical Thought Utilitarianism Formalism Virtue Ethics John Stuart Mill (1806 –1873) Jeremy Bentham (1748 –1832) Key Concepts: THE GREATER GOOD CONSEQUENTIALISM Motivation has nothing to do with morality, consequences are the only things that matter. So the ends justify the means, BUT only if the result is a greater good. Overview & Relevance Module 4

Comparing the Three Approaches Virtue Ethics Formalism Utilitarianism Goals Good life by pursuing real goods in the proper ways. Do your moral duty. Seek the greatest good and total happiness. Means Develop character and build habits of virtue. Only do it if it makes a good universal rule. Maximize pleasure and minimize pain. Test Is your character developed? Do you pursue the balance between excess and defect? Are you principle centered? Do you follow the Categorical & Practical Imperatives? Do you act impartially by weighing the consequences of an action? Adapted from: Professional Ethics in Criminal Justice Jay S. Albanese, (2008) Module 4

Identifying Obligation ob•li•ga•tion noun /ˌäbliˈgāSHən/ 1: An act or course of action to which a person is morally or legally bound; a duty or commitment 2: The condition of being morally or legally bound to do something Module 4

Obligation Statement Module 4

Thinking Forward Scenario Insight and an Unexpected Dilemma Exercise Part 2 Module 4

Module 4 Summary & Review The Good, The Right, The Ought Virtue Ethics Formalism Utilitarianism Consider: With which ethical approach do you most identify? Does your ethical knowledge influence your sense of obligation? What action(s) will you take to align your sense of obligation with the other aspects of your Controlling Insight? Questions & Final Thoughts Module 4