1. Ethics in Policy Making

2. Two Main Ethical Systems
A teleological ethical system – consequences of an act
A deontological ethical system – inherent nature of the act being judged. Motive, intent

3. A teleological system Judge the consequences of an act.
Even a bad act, if it results in good consequences, can be defined as good under a teleological system.
The end justifies the means.
Utilitarianism

4. A deontological system
Concerned solely with the inherent nature of the act being judged.
If an act or intent is inherently good (coming from a good will), then even if it results in bad consequences, it is still considered a good act.
Ethical Formalism - Kant

5. Utilitarianism – Bentham (1748-1832)
What is good is determined by the consequences of the action.
Human nature seeks to maximize pleasure and avoid pain, and a moral system must be consistent with this natural fact.
Maximize pleasure and happiness.
Calculation
The rights of an individual could be sacrificed for the good of many.

6. Utilitarianism EX. 1 by Bentham
“pauper management” – by establishing self-financing workhouse for the poor.
The encountering beggars on the streets => reduces the happiness of passersby. => remove beggars from the streets and confide them in a workhouse.
The sum of pains suffered by the public > unhappiness of beggars hauled off to the workhouse.
To reduce citizens’ tax, the workhouse must be managed as a system of self-financing.
Each beggar would have to work to pay off the cost of his or her maintenance.

7. Utilitarianism Ex. 2
In the summer of 1884, four English stranded sailors in a small lifeboat.
=> murdering a sick boy.
Three lives vs. one life

8. Ethical formalism – Kant
Whether an act is moral => not consequences, but motive or intent of the actor.
Intrinsic good => always good
If something is wrong, it is always wrong.
Murder and lying are always wrong even though they are used to protect people.

9. Ethical Formalism ex.
Murder in war
Lying to save a fried

10. Ethical Formalism ex. Lying vs. not telling the truth
Clinton vs. Lewinsky

11. Ethical Formalism
Humans are rational and autonomous being unlike animals => So humans must be respected.
All individual has rights.
Humans must not be used as means.

12. Exs. to think
Suicide of Choe, Yunhee
International Marriage