ETHICAL THEORIES: OVERVIEW

Universal Moral Theories Utilitarianism Egoism Deontology Rules-based Rights-based Virtue ethics

Utilitarianism If the end doesn’t justify the means, what does? Consequence-based Weights suffering against happiness (produces greatest balance of good over harm) Can we actually measure something called “the greatest good”?

Utilitarian Method Identify all courses of action Identify parties affected Identify contribution of each course of action to that person’s net happiness Ignoring all other considerations, compare courses of action, taking account of the NUMBER of people affected Choose the course of action that maximizes overall happiness

Utilitarian Method When might this be a good approach? When might this be a poor approach?

EGOISM Opposite to utilitarianism Do the most good for yourself Is this selfish? And if so, how can it be morally justifiable?

Deontology: Rights-based What is my moral duty? We should do our duty because of a sense of good will, not because of reward or punishment Everyone has rights Everyone needs to respect each other’s rights Does this address the utilitarian weakness (can we ever be sure of the consequences?)?

Deontology: Rules-based Legalistic or rule-bound theory Can following the rules result in greater harm than breaking them?

Deontology Method What rule are you following? Would it be a universal rule?

Deontology What are its strengths? What are its weaknesses?

Virtue Ethics Being a virtuous person is most important What behaviors are equal to being virtuous?

Review Utilitarianism: Deontology: Three Minute Philosophy – Immanuel Kant Virtue Theory: Three Minute Philosophy – Aristotle re=channel re=channel