1. Obligation: Contemplating the Good, the Right, and the Ought
Module 4
Obligation: Contemplating the Good, the Right, and the Ought
Module 4

2. Module 4 Preview Definition of Ethics
Differing Approaches to Ethical Thoughts
The Relationship between Ethics and Obligation
Thinking Forward Scenario 3
Identifying our Sense of Obligation
Identifying Relevant Roles & Responsibilities
Awareness of Obligation
Obligation Statement
An Alignment between Perspective, Purpose & Obligation
Module 4

3. Thinking Forward Scenario Insight and an Unexpected Dilemma
Exercise Part 1
Module 4

4. Where do we get our sense of obligation from?
Fundamental Question
Where do we get our sense of obligation from?
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5. Three Approaches to Ethical Thought
The Good, the Right, the Ought.
Virtue
Ethics
Formalism
Utilitarianism
Although there are numerous ways to explore ethics, examining the merits of these three approaches may be most beneficial for policing professionals.
Module 4

6. Three Approaches to Ethical Thought
Socrates
B.C.
Virtue
Ethics
Formalism
Utilitarianism
Plato
B.C.
Aristotle
B.C.
Key Concepts:
WISDOM
HEIRARCHY
VIRTUE
HABIT
Ultimately an individual must seek the right things in the proper ways in order to be virtuous and ethically sound.
Module 4

7. Three Approaches to Ethical Thought
Formalism
Virtue Ethics
Utilitarianism
Emmanuel Kant
1724 –1804
Key Concepts:
DUTY &
OBLIGATION
CATEGORICAL
IMPERATIVE
PRACTICAL
Never use people as a means to an end.
If it doesn't make for a good universal rule do not do it.
Module 4

8. Three Approaches to Ethical Thought
Utilitarianism
Formalism
Virtue
Ethics
John Stuart Mill (1806 –1873)
Jeremy Bentham
(1748 –1832)
Key Concepts:
THE GREATER GOOD
CONSEQUENTIALISM
Motivation has nothing to do with morality, consequences are the only things that matter. So the ends justify the means, BUT only if the result is a greater good.
Overview & Relevance
Module 4

9. Comparing the Three Approaches
Virtue Ethics
Formalism
Utilitarianism
Goals
Good life by pursuing real goods in the proper ways.
Do your moral duty.
Seek the greatest good and total happiness.
Means
Develop character and build habits of virtue.
Only do it if it makes a good universal rule.
Maximize pleasure and minimize pain.
Test
Is your character developed? Do you pursue the balance between excess and defect?
Are you principle centered? Do you follow the Categorical & Practical Imperatives?
Do you act impartially by weighing the consequences of an action?
Adapted from: Professional Ethics in Criminal Justice
Jay S. Albanese, (2008)
Module 4

10. Identifying Obligation
ob•li•ga•tion noun /ˌäbliˈgāSHən/
1: An act or course of action to which a person is morally or legally bound; a duty or commitment
2: The condition of being morally or legally bound to do something
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11. Obligation Statement
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12. Thinking Forward Scenario Insight and an Unexpected Dilemma
Exercise Part 2
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13. Module 4 Summary & Review
The Good, The Right, The Ought
Virtue Ethics
Formalism
Utilitarianism
Consider:
With which ethical approach do you most identify?
Does your ethical knowledge influence your sense of obligation?
What action(s) will you take to align your sense of obligation with the other aspects of your Controlling Insight?
Questions & Final Thoughts
Module 4