Two styles of ethics “Theoretical” ethics -- Rests on reason & logic Produces correct principles for acting Emphasizes the individual’s autonomy Imposes constraints on behavior “Practical” ethics – Rests on wisdom Produces good action Recognizes individuals’ sociality Seeks self-regulation of behavior

“Theoretical” ethics For example, Kant -- Find correct maxims for behavior Accomplished by applying a logical test – the “rational” conceivability (reversibility and universalizability) of the maxim Done in “splendid” isolation Constrains us to act in ways we ordinarily might not, e.g., against our self-interest

“Theoretical” ethics For example, Utilitarianism -- Find correct action in a particular situation Accomplished by making a rational calculation – the best balance of benefits vs. costs (understood broadly to involve more than actual dollars) Done in “splendid” isolation Constrains us to act in ways we ordinarily might not, e.g., against our self-interest

Simple example “Theoretical” ethics – Drive below posted maximum speed Drive above posted minimum speed, if any Observe variable speed zones Etc. “Practical” ethics – “Drive at a speed reasonable and proper”

Less simple example Old Testament Ethics Do the things on this list Don’t do the things on this other list Do what it says in that big stack of books New Testament Ethics “Love the Lord your God with all your heart…soul…strength… and mind, and love your neighbor as yourself” (Luke 10:27)

Aspects of “practical” ethics -- Community Our reality is essentially social – individuals exist only in communities, and communities themselves are built of other communities Our well-being is dependent on the well- being of the interlocking communities of which we are a part – including the businesses for which we work

Aspects of “practical” ethics -- Excellence Being “ethical” is acting “virtuously” Virtue (or being virtuous) is a matter of actively seeking excellence in our lived reality, rather than passively adhering to imposed standards

Aspects of “practical” ethics – Role Identity Ethics is contextual, in the sense that at every moment and in every ethical decision we have multiple sets of roles and responsibilities within our intersecting communities Simple, absolute principles will always miss the ethical mark

Aspects of “practical” ethics -- Integrity The situational character of our ethical decisions means that different virtues will take precedence in different cases Integrity thus becomes the “linchpin” virtue

Aspects of “practical” ethics -- Judgment A mechanical application of simple rules will not work Broad judgment, wisdom, “moral imagination” is necessary

Aspects of “practical” ethics -- Holism Just as we must ethically integrate ourselves into our communities, we must integrate ourselves. Good character yielding “naturally” good behavior, rather than disjoint, piecemeal ethics

For example, Aristotle’s “practical” ethics Virtues are a balance point between two extremes – for example, courage lies between cowardice and foolhardiness The particular balance point depends on us and our individual situations, and our judgment enables us to determine what it is We ingrain a virtue and help make it “second nature” every time we act virtuously – for example, we become courageous by acting courageously

Being ethical Aristotle’s way Adopt the ideals for behavior that are embodied in the virtues – honesty, loyalty, courage, benevolence, civility, tolerance, wit, magnanimity, etc. Develop good character by practicing these virtues. Use the wisdom you have gained from this practice to “blend” the virtues appropriately for the differing situations of your life. Virtuous action will then flow from you as your second nature