5 Ethics Theories November 6, 2013

Self-Interest of person doing, considering, or affected by the action Egoism Inalienable rights Self-Interest of person doing, considering, or affected by the action

Ethical standard that “all persons ought to do what is in their own self-interest.” Source: Philosophy.lander.edu My new boss asked me to baby-sit his child, who I really like. Only after I arrived, my boss told me the child was coming down with a cold. I’m a student and don’t have time to get sick. I stayed, knowing my boss needed the help. What is in the self-interest? (based on Cohen, R., The Ethicist: No Edit The New York Times July 16, 2007.) Terms of employment switched

Utilitarianism Maximizing positive outcomes for the largest number of people, negative outcomes for lowest number of people

Emphasizes the consequences of actions. Suppose that Jack is in the hospital for routine tests, and there are people there who need vital organs right away. A doctor has the opportunity to kill Jack and make his death look natural. It would maximize happiness to cut Jack up and give his heart to one patient, his liver to another, his kidneys to another, and so on. (We are supposing that the organs are good matches, and the other patients will die if they don’t get them.) Csus.edu/indiv/g/gaskilld/ethics/utilitariansim%20notes.htm

Would Utilitarianism imply that the doctor should kill Jack for the utility of the community? Whether an action is morally right or wrong depends entirely on its consequences. An action is right if it brings about the best outcome of the choice available. Otherwise its wrong. Csus.edu/indiv/g/gaskilld/ethics/utilitariansim%20notes.htm How can we measure a communities utility? How can we predict what consequences will occur?

Fulfilling duties towards self or other persons Deontology Fulfilling duties towards self or other persons

Duties and Rules A community college English professor is asked to proofread and edit students’ college-application essays. She declines, saying that colleges want the work to represent the students’ work. (based on Cohen, R., The Ethicist: No Edit The New York Times July 16, 2007.) What is the professor’s duty? To who is the duty owed?

Care Ethics Caring towards those who are vulnerable or need support. Sustaining relationships

A frail old woman asks her nurse to help her die, so that the woman does not become a burden upon her family. However, doing so will violate the nurses professional duty. What can/should the nurse do according to the ‘care ethic’?

Virtue Ethics Actions reflective or productive of good or bad character, embodied in developed and lasting traits

Emphasizes the virtues, or moral character, Roots to Plato and Aristotle A student lives in college housing. Included in the cost of board are all costs for utilities. The student takes 45 minute showers to relax. He reasons he pays his bill on time each semester. Is he wasting water? What virtue supports his action? What virtue refutes his action?