An Introductory Exploration Ethics & Morality An Introductory Exploration
Ethics & Morality (Ethics = Moral Philosophy) Concerned with “right” and “wrong” behavior How should people behave?
The Four Branches of Ethics Meta-Ethics Normative Ethics Descriptive Ethics Applied Ethics
Branches of Ethics Meta-ethics: explores the origins, nature , and scope of ethics Normative Ethics: proposes what should be considered right and wrong behavior Descriptive Ethics: describes and compares how people or groups think and act ethically Applied Ethics: decides how people should act in given situations or scenarios
The “sense of morality” is built into the human brain The human brain has the built-in capacity … to laugh and cry to use language to make music and art to imagine to remember to intuit to moralize (Conscience)
If a “Moral Compass” is built in… Right Then, how do people fill in the content or decide which actions go where? Neutral Unsure Wrong
Socialization How does society teach you right and wrong? Family Media You Peers School
Lawrence Kohlberg’s Theory of Moral Development
Lawrence Kohlberg’s Theory of Moral Development
Develop a considered and conscious ethical code to live by. Does it matter? Option I Option II Just do what you think or feel is right when a decision or dilemma presents itself. Develop a considered and conscious ethical code to live by.
What can we kill ethically?
Is cheating wrong? Using your hands in a soccer game? Concealing some income on tax form? Deceiving your life partner about where you have been? Yes Depends No
Normative Ethics An Example
Feed the hungry, clothe the naked, comfort the sick… Feed the hungry, clothe the naked, comfort the sick…. Who are we talking about?
End of Elephant Shows?
How Far Do Ethical Responsibilities Reach? All Matter All Life All Animals All People People in US Family & Friends Eco-Ethics Vitalism Animism Humanism Nationalism Tribalism
Who Should be Bound by an Ethical Code? Ethical Subjectivism Each individual should have her own ethical code. Ethical Relativism Each society or cultural group should have its own ethical code. Ethical Universalism There should be one ethical code for all people on the planet.
Assignment on 3-09