1. Moral Studies Chapter 2: Theory and Value Systems

2. Overview Theories of normative obligation are needed to guide us when making decisions and judgments about actions in certain situations There are many theories but there are 4 which are often discussed in the academic world

3. Overview The theories are Teleological Ethics theory, Deontological theory, Social Morality theory and Virtues Ethics theory

4. What you will learn in this chapter Understand why there are different moral theories and value systems Able to explain all the different moral theories See the theories and systems in action and analyse the use of the theories To see the pro and cons of these theories and systems

5. Moral Theories and Value Systems To understand and rationalize the basis of our morality To guide us to make decisions and judgments about actions in certain situations Divided into 4: Teleological Ethics theory, Deontological theory, Social Morality theory and Personality Virtue theory

6. Teleological Ethics theory “Teleo” – Goals View morality (good and bad) from the end result Also known as “consequentialism” Good – happiness, pleasure, fun. Bad – sadness, pain Objective: To maximize happiness and eliminating or minimizing sadness for as much people as possible

7. Teleological Ethics theory Divided into 2 main categories: UtilitarianismEgoism Creating the most good / benefit for the most number of people and minimizing bad / pain Creating the most good / benefit for the individual or a very limited number of people

8. Teleological Ethics theory Argument / Weakness: Happiness and sadness are feelings, which are subjective Assume people live for happiness and at the same time, avoid pain Pain is needed to grow

9. Deontological theory “Deon” - Duty View morality using the viewpoint of duty Moral=responsibility & duty and must be fulfilled in order to be “moral” Divided into 2 different categories: Principal of Duty and Principal of Existentialism

10. Deontological theory Principal of Duty Immanuel Kant View morality as actions done in accordance to what is seen as a responsibility Moral = Duty A moral person acts and behaves because of duty and responsibility and/or out of respect for the law Instinctive actions are immoral

11. Deontological theory Principal of Existentialism Jean-Paul Sarte Existence precedes Essence Moral=anything done to achieve Essence Everything is permissible

12. Deontological theory Argument / Weakness: Denounces God Gives man freedom to do anything and everything he wants

13. Social Morality Theory Mainstream moral theory Morality is directly linked to the rules of society An individual’s morals are subjected to societal rules Societal rules are associated with ethical value Moral=follow societal rules and ethic values Moderation is key for balance, extremes are considered dogmatic and authoritarian

14. Social Morality Theory Argument / Weakness: Each society has it’s own unique set of moral rules, therefore, it is not universal Society’s rules cannot adjust smoothly with changes in the social environment Restrictions (isbat) is useless if people can hide their wrongs and if there is apathy towards the social rules

15. Virtues Ethics Aristotle Virtues are tendencies for a cause Virtues are not human feelings Virtues are not given by nature Virtues are taught and developed through training Moral=Virtuous actions done spontaneously and not (100%) based on feelings

16. Virtues Ethics Objective: to produce individuals who both act well out of spontaneous goodness and serve as examples that inspires others Eg: Gandhi, Mother Teresa, Socrates In other words, the main aim for this is living well and achieving excellence

17. Virtues Ethics Argument / Weakness: Virtues can be copied not necessarily learned Religious figures did not learn virtues, as it is given to them by their God(s)

18. Conclusion 4 moral theories with each bringing a different perspective on how we should view morality Each theory has it’s own strengths and weaknesses, positives and negatives