Common Good Approach April Richter Kathy Bunkert Steve Pieper Tabatha Schmitz M, 8:30 Ethical Theories Presentation October 3, 2008 April Richter Kathy Bunkert Steve Pieper Tabatha Schmitz M, 8:30 Ethical Theories Presentation October 3, 2008

Theory of Common Good A vision of society as a community whose members are joined in a shared pursuit of values and goals they hold in common. The community is comprised of individuals whose own good is inextricably bound to the good of the whole. The principle states: "What is ethical is what advances the common good." A vision of society as a community whose members are joined in a shared pursuit of values and goals they hold in common. The community is comprised of individuals whose own good is inextricably bound to the good of the whole. The principle states: "What is ethical is what advances the common good."

Plato 428/ /347 B.C.

Plato’s Contributions  Humans without souls are hollow.  Friendship, freedom, justice, wisdom, courage, and moderation are the key values that define a good society.  Humans without souls are hollow.  Friendship, freedom, justice, wisdom, courage, and moderation are the key values that define a good society.

Aristotle B.C.

Aristotle’s Contributions  A good life is oriented to goods shared with others - The common good of the larger society of which one is part of.(most significant conclusion)  The good of the individual and the common good are inseparable.  A good life is oriented to goods shared with others - The common good of the larger society of which one is part of.(most significant conclusion)  The good of the individual and the common good are inseparable.

Criticisms of Common Good Community-based theory-ethical judgments are controlled by community values that include considerations of the common good, social goals, and tradition. This theory repudiates the rights-based theory that is based on individualism. Community-based theory-ethical judgments are controlled by community values that include considerations of the common good, social goals, and tradition. This theory repudiates the rights-based theory that is based on individualism.

Criticism's cont. Problem - is that it is difficult to reach a consensus on what constitutes a community value in today’s complex and diverse society. Problem - is that it is difficult to reach a consensus on what constitutes a community value in today’s complex and diverse society.

Criticism’s cont. The relentless expansion of our society into a global village has made it hard for any human individual to see his good as embodied in society’s goals and priorities.

Ethical Dilemma Smoking in public establishments Common ground approach For the good of all citizens we have elected to ban smoking in all establishments to promote better health. Smoking in public establishments Common ground approach For the good of all citizens we have elected to ban smoking in all establishments to promote better health.

Questions for discussion 1.In what ethical area does “Common Good” approach work best?

Question for discussion cont. Public services police fire health care public education or public recreation Public services police fire health care public education or public recreation

Questions for discussions cont. 2. Should the “Common Good” approach theory be a stand alone theory?

Questions for discussions cont. o No. Society is to complex and diverse o Theories should be combined o No. Society is to complex and diverse o Theories should be combined

Questions for discussions cont. 3. Would stealing ever be ethical under the practical application of the “Common Good” approach?

Questions for discussions cont.