Introduction to Ehics and Human Rights HU141_Lecture 2 Introduction to Ehics and Human Rights

Outline Introduction to Ehics and Human Rights Ethics and the Domains of Human Action Approaches to Ethical Decision-making Theories: “Universalism” and “Relativism” , Lecture 2, Introduction to Ehics

Lecture 2, Introduction to Ehics Ethics The code of moral principles that govern the behaviors of a person or group with respect to what is right or wrong. Ethics exist in three interacting domains: Legal – Social – Personal. Lecture 2, Introduction to Ehics

, Lecture 2, Introduction to Ehics Domains of Ethics Overlapping , Lecture 2, Introduction to Ehics

Legal Domain: Illustrative Examples , Lecture 2, Introduction to Ehics

Egyptian Rent Control Law Rent control exists in approximately 40 countries around the world. This legal code fixes rent and inhibits eviction. Rent control restricts the property rights of the property owners. In Egypt (Old Law) created an acceptable social standard: A rental property is practically owned by the tenant and his/her heirs. HU 141, Lecture 2, Introduction to Ehics

Legal Standards: China One-child Policy The policy was introduced in 1978 and initially applied to first-born children in 1979. It was created by the Chinese government to alleviate social, economic, and environmental problems in China, Authorities claim that the policy has prevented more than 250 million births from its implementation to 2000. , Lecture 2, Introduction to Ehics

, Lecture 2, Introduction to Ehics Please for the sake of your country, use birth control Sign put up by the government. Found in the entry to the alley slums in Nanchang. These slums are where the pregnant women hide from the government officials enforcing the one child policy. , Lecture 2, Introduction to Ehics

USA Legalized Abortion , Lecture 2, Introduction to Ehics

Abortion laws in the U.S. before 1973 Its legalization became the most divisive issues in U.S. society. HU 141, Lecture 2, Introduction to Ehics

HU 141, Lecture 2, Introduction to Ehics Country Divided Year Pro-life Pro-choice 2008 43% 51% 2009 45% 48% 2010 46% http://www.gallup.com/poll/1576/abortion.aspx#2 HU 141, Lecture 2, Introduction to Ehics

Social Domain: Illustrative Examples HU 141, Lecture 2, Introduction to Ehics

Social Standards: Marriage Same-sex Hindu Jewish Mormon Muslim Lecture 2, Introduction to Ehics

Personal Domain: Illustrative Examples HU 141, Lecture 2, Introduction to Ehics

Social Standards: Football Hooliganism Hooliganism is the disorderly and violent behavior of football fans. England: in 1314, Edward II banned football because he believed the disorder surrounding matches might lead to social unrest. Egypt and Algeria 2009 http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/8369983.stm HU 141, Lecture 2, Introduction to Ehics

Lecture 2, Introduction to Ehics Personal Standards: No to Drugs Giving Charity Tax Evasion Wearing Veil Self-esteem etc factors What is Right for One may be Wrong for Another Lecture 2, Introduction to Ehics

What is the ideal situation? Explicit Control What is the ideal situation? Lecture 2, Introduction to Ehics

Three Domains of Ethics Domain of Certified Law (Legal Standard) Domain of Ethics (Social Standard) Domain of Free Choice (Personal Standard) Amount of Explicit Control High Low HU 141, Lecture 2, Introduction to Ehics

HU 141, Lecture 2, Introduction to Ehics Approaches Utilitarian - greatest good to the greatest number of people Individualism - primary commitment is to one’s long term self-interests Moral-rights - respect the fundamental rights of people Justice - ethical decisions treat people fairly according to rules HU 141, Lecture 2, Introduction to Ehics

Ehical Decesion-making Approaches to Ehical Decesion-making Lecture 2, Introduction to Ehics

Lecture 2, Introduction to Ehics 1. Utilitarian Approach Moral behavior produces the greatest good for the greatest number Critics ask if the common good is squeezing the life out of the individual Lecture 2, Introduction to Ehics

2. Individualism Approach Acts are moral when they promote the individual's best long-term interests, which ultimately leads to the greater good Individual self-direction paramount Individualism is believed to lead to honesty & integrity since that works best in the long run. Lecture 2, Introduction to Ehics

3. Moral-Rights Approach Moral decisions are those that best maintain the rights of those people affected by them. An ethical decision is one that avoids interfering with the fundamental rights of others Lecture 2, Introduction to Ehics

The Six (European) Moral Rights The right of free consent The right to privacy The right of freedom of conscience The right of free speech The right to due process The right to life & safety HU 141, Lecture 2, Introduction to Ehics

The Islamic Moral Rights: preservation of religion; preservation of life; preservation of progeny; preservation of the intellect; preservation of wealth. Lecture 2, Introduction to Ehics

3. Justice Approach Moral Decisions must be based on standards of equity, fairness, impartiality Three types of Justice Approaches: Distributive Justice Procedural Justice Compensatory Justice

Distributive Justice Different treatment of people should not be based on arbitrary characteristics In case of substantive differences, people should be treated differently in proportion to the differences among them

, Lecture 2, Introduction to Ehics Procedural Justice Rules should be clearly stated Rules should be consistently and impartially enforced , Lecture 2, Introduction to Ehics

, Lecture 2, Introduction to Ehics Compensatory Justice Individuals should be compensated for the cost of their injuries by the party responsible Individuals should not be held responsible for matters they have no control over , Lecture 2, Introduction to Ehics

Are Ethical Standards Universal Dependent on Local Norms ? World View Theories  HU 141, Lecture 2, Introduction to Ehics

HU 141, Lecture 2, Introduction to Ehics World View Worldview establishes the foundation that individuals rely on to form their ethics. Two opposing views: A belief that humans are created beings accountable to a creator. A belief that humans evolved as the result of a chance event. Creationism Evolution HU 141, Lecture 2, Introduction to Ehics

Lecture 2, Introduction to Ehics Two Theories: Ethical Universalism Theory  Ethical Relativism Theory  Lecture 2, Introduction to Ehics

Lecture 2, Introduction to Ehics Universalism Same ethical standards applies to ALL people regardless: Local traditions and Cultural norms Thus, common ethical standards should be adopted Lecture 2, Introduction to Ehics

Kant Theory: “Categorical imperatives ” Categorical imperatives are principles that are intrinsically valid; they are good in and of themselves; They must be obeyed in all, and by all, situations and circumstances if our behavior is to observe the moral law. It is from the Categorical Imperative that all other moral obligations are generated, and by which all moral obligations can be tested. Immanuel Kant 1724 -1804 Lecture 2, Introduction to Ehics

Lecture 2, Introduction to Ehics Relativism Ethical relativism is the theory that holds that morality is relative to the norms of one's culture. That is, whether an action is right or wrong depends on the moral norms of the society in which it is practiced. The same action may be morally right in one society but be morally wrong in another. Ethical behavior is always determined by cultural context Lecture 2, Introduction to Ehics

Lecture 2, Introduction to Ehics Cultural Context Different societies/cultures/countries Place more/less emphasis on some values than others Have different standards of right and wrong Have different social mores and behavioral norms What is ethical or unethical Must be judged in light of local  customs and social mores and Can vary from one country to another Lecture 2, Introduction to Ehics

Lecture 2, Introduction to Ehics For the ethical relativist, there are no universal moral standards -- standards that can be universally applied to all peoples at all times. The only moral standards against which a society's practices can be judged are its own. If ethical relativism is correct, there can be no common framework for resolving moral disputes or for reaching agreement on ethical matters among members of different societies. Lecture 2, Introduction to Ehics

. . . that which is perceived as “Universal” is Human Human Rights Lecture 2, Introduction to Ehics

Universalism Ethical Imperialism An attempt to externally impose one’s ethical standards on others. , Lecture 2, Introduction to Ehics

Lecture 2, Introduction to Ehics Thanks Lecture 2, Introduction to Ehics