Ethics Overview: Deontological and Teleological ( Consequentalist) Systems

A set of underlying premises that: –Form the basis for moral judgments –Are the source of moral beliefs –Are an argument that provides systematic ordering of moral principles –Are internally consistent –Possess a type of “moral common sense” Ethical Systems‏

Can be described as Can be described as : – Prescriptive (not descriptive)‏ – Authoritative – Logically impartial or universal – Not self-serving Ethical Systems

What is morality? Morality refers to personal or cultural values, codes of conduct or social mores that distinguish between right and wrong. Morals define a person’s character; a “moral” person is one who acts rightly. What is ethics? Also called “moral philosophy”; it is the philosophy behind the adoption of certain morals. Ethics focuses on certain ethical principles that define ethical systems on which to make decisions. How ought we to act?

MOTIVATION MATTERS. Some acts are inherently good. Others are inherently bad. The consequences of the act are irrelevant. Example: Charity is a moral act. Giving money to a poor person is morally correct. If the poor person buys drugs with the money, the original act of charity is still moral. Deontological Ethical Systems

Deontology Addresses the study of duty. Immanuel Kant The key to morality is human will or intention, rather than consequences. Deontologists have contended that sometimes humans have duties to perform, regardless of the consequences.

Deontology Also looks at the intentions of our actions. –Changing a flat tire in hopes of a reward versus doing it because you simply want to help. –Good intention = doing duty Only the actions that are done for the sake of duty have moral worth.

Categorical Imperative This is Kant’s fundamental principle of morality. –Concerns what we “ought to” or “should” do. Contradicts what Kant calls hypothetical imperatives that begin with “ifs”. –The Categorical Imperative is unhypothetical; it simply says, “JUST DO IT.”

Categorical Imperative Two formulations for the Categorical Imperative –Universalizability: You cannot be willing to do something to someone else that you would not be willing to have done to you. E.g., If you tell a lie to get out of a situation, would you want someone to lie to you? Basically, act only to a point where you could will it to be a universal law. –Intrinsic Values: Treat people with respect and reverence, and not just as things. Don’t treat people as simply the means to our own ends.

RESULTS MATTER. An act is “good” or “bad” depending on the results it brings about. The consequences of the act are what is judged. Example: An act of charity might not be moral. If drug abuse is an immoral consequence, and an act of charity supports drug abuse, the act of charity could be considered immoral. Consequentialist Ethical Systems

(A teleological system—the consequences judged.)‏ One of its founders was Jeremy Bentham. –An action’s morality depends on how much it contributes to the overall good of society. –Humans are hedonistic. –They seek to maximize pleasure (or in later systems, good > pleasure) and avoid pain. –An ethical system should be consistent with this. Utilitarianism

If an act benefits many people and causes pain to a few, it is still good because “the greatest good for the greatest number” is more important than the pain of the smaller number. Utilitarianism

An act can be “calculated” as good or bad based on the total good it produces vs. the total pain it causes. If total benefit (good) > total liability (pain or loss)‏ then the act is good. Act Utilitarianism

If a principle were to become a universal rule in society, what would the social consequences be? Rule Utilitarianism

–It assumes that consequences can be accurately predicted. –In emphasizing the “greatest number,” it is not just towards the few. –The rights of the few might be sacrificed for the “greatest number.” –How can an ethical system be supported if it is not just or fair? –Justice is absolute and must always apply. Criticisms of Utilitarianism

A common basis of ethical systems, also belonging to the absolutist and deontological system of ethics. –Natural Law, placed into our universe by a divine Creator –One need not be aware of it for the law to apply; it is universally applicable. BUT: What if people hold different opinions about the interpretation of religious principles? What if people do not believe in revelation or Natural Law? RELIGION

First taught by the Greek philosopher Aristotle : True virtue is the median between extremes of character: the golden mean. People develop moral virtues through practice, just like any other strength. The more one practices moral virtues, the more virtuous one becomes. The Ethics of Virtue

Most Western philosophers have been male. Most Western ethical systems focus on issues like rights, laws, and universalism. A more “feminine” agenda might emphasize care, nurture, and empathy. The Ethics of Care (I)‏

What benefits the individual is good… regardless of its effect on others. Psychological Egoism : People behave in their own best interests. (Not an ethical system – an observation.)‏ Enlightened Egoism : People behave in their own best interests, but think of long-term consequences rather than immediate gratification. The Ethics of Virtue Egoism

Ethical Relativism (no absolute truth or duty): Moral systems are products of an individual or group. “Good” and “bad” may depend on an individual situation. If people believe different things are good and bad, how can you define what is good? Cultural Relativism (descriptive/not ethical system): “Good” depends on the norms of each society. What is acceptable in one society might not be in another. Who is to say which society is right? Relativism

A compromise solution: –There are basic principles of right and wrong. –They can be applied to ethical dilemmas and moral issues. –They may call for different results in different situations. Situational Ethics