Ethics and morals

Ethics is the study of values, of how we ought to live Ethics is the study of values, of how we ought to live. It involves reflective, rational thinking to determine which behaviours are “right” or “wrong”

Can you see any challenges to determining right and wrong behaviours?

Your ethics/morals reflect your worldview

Ethics/Worldviews for you to consider… Consequential Ethics -the morality of an action is contingent (or dependent) on the action's outcome or result Thus, a morally right action is one that produces a good outcome or consequence. Some examples are: Utilitarianism – (will come in Michael Sandel video) Hedonism – pleasure is the most important goal of mankind Egoism – something is morally right if it is good for you

Ethics for you to consider… Deontological Ethics -the morality of an action is contingent (or dependent) on the action itself being right or wrong Thus, a morally right action is one that is based on moral absolutes or absolute truth Some examples are: Christianity – God has revealed what is right and wrong – as He is perfect and knows right and wrong - you obey these regardless of personal opinion because they are right Natural rights – humans have natural, inherent rights and right behavior is based on preserving those

Social justice demands that we consistently think about what is ethical and moral everyone’s worldview will impact the way they view social justice