Philosophy and Ethics Is lying always wrong? Is conscience a reliable guide? Are all values relative?

The Ethical Continuum Relativism Absolutism Cultural Relativism Subjectivism Egoism Utilitarianism Situationism Rational Choice Objectivism

Subjectivism  All values are relative. Existentialist Perspective  I make my own good; no one can judge. Language Theory  Moral terms are personal, individual. My logic determines my truth, and it’s mine. My statements can be tested as true or false. Most value statements are nonsense, because they are value-based.  Therefore we cannot argue them.  But how do we resolve differences?

Cultural Relativism  Whatever a culture believes is good is good. Social authority determines good.  There are few or no values that are universal. But what if a cultural belief is based upon a falsehood? What if my value is not good for me? How do we then make laws? Are we to tolerate sadistic evil and genocide because it is a cultural value somewhere?

Egoism  Psychological Egoism (Epicurus) All acts are motivated by self-interest.  It is human nature to seek self-interest.  It is impossible to be unselfish.  Ethical Egoism (Ayn Rand) Each person ought to act in his own self- interest.  Enlightened Egoism (Hobbes) Do both of the above, but without narcissism.  Are there no selfless acts?

Objectivism  Values exist outside of human reality.  Absolute values are morally binding to all humans. Divine Command Theory  We ought to follow ‘self-evident truths’ Natural Law  It is our duty to act on rational, ‘categorical imperatives.’ The Forms of the Good (Plato)  Beauty, Truth, Justice

Utilitarianism  What is good is what produces the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people. The balance of pleasure and pain must be weighed against alternatives to action All value claims must stand the test of consequences.  But what if the good of the mass obligates us to harm the individual?

Situationism  Love is the only absolute value All other values are based on the situation each of us is in. Morality therefore is in a constant process of change.

Possible Combinations  Rational Choice A rational person can choose right living if she is free, impartial and informed.  People in this state will naturally have right views and intentions.  People in this state will choose right speech, actions, and livelihoods.  People in this state will conduct themselves with right effort, mindfulness, and concentration.

Virtue Ethics  What are the traits of a good person?  How are these traits cultivated?  What are the moral categories that define the good person?  What virtues will allow me to function as a good human being?

Feminist Ethics  Do women operate uniquely from the domain of “morality of responsibility?” Psychological logic of relationships? Caring  Do men operate uniquely from the domain of “morality of rights?” Formal logic of justice.  Can there be an ethic for both?

Essential Questions  Does the individual or the group deserve greater weight?  Is the good of all persons to count equally?