1. Introduction to Ethical Arguments Scott Hale English 1213

2. Definitional Arguments: n Basis of All Knowledge/Communication n Argue that Item X belongs in Category Y n Scooter (X) is a murderer (Y)

3. Evaluative Arguments: n The next step in Knowledge/Communication n Having defined an item--X is a Y n We then evaluate that item--X is a good/bad Y… n The War Room (X) is an excellent documentary (Y) n Evaluations depend upon definitions

4. Ethical Arguments n The next step in Knowledge/Communication n Having defined and evaluated an item, we assess it’s inherent worth--the value of its being n But just because something is good, does this mean it’s right?

5. Question of Purpose n In evaluative arguments our evaluation of an item stems from the purpose of that item, n Nike is a good shoe because it effectively covers your feet…

6. But in Ethical Arguments… n The purpose differs... n If we discover that third-world labor markets are economically and physically exploited in making Nike shoes… n Is it right to make (or even to own) Nike products? n The purpose is now one of political and human rights, not covering one’s feet.

7. Requirements for Ethical Arguments: n Just like evaluations require comparison/contrast between items within the same category/genus, so to do different ethical systems n AND... n Ethical Arguments must be couched in ethical terms…. n Right vs. Wrong; Moral vs. Immoral

8. Toulmin Schema: n C: Slavery is wrong n R: b/c it violates human rights n G: Slavery violates human rights; Ev: Support that slavery violates HR n W: Any practice that violates human rights is wrong n B: Support of ethical system

9. Different Ethical Systems… n Of all value arguments, Ethical arguments are the least stable in Backing n Because we have different ways of determining right from wrong

10. Naïve Egoism n Right vs. Wrong determined by how it affects a given individual or particular group of individuals n It is wrong to hit Michelle because she is a woman n Operates under the belief that I am #1 n But how many #1s can there be?

11. Consequentialism n Right vs. Wrong determined by the outcome of an action and whether it has positive or negative consequences n It is wrong to hit Michelle b/c it willhurt n Operates under a utilitarian framework where we seek to provide the greatest good for the greatest number n OR the ends justify the means

12. Principlism n Right vs. Wrong determined not by outcome of action, but by the action itself, whether it conforms to or upholds a belief or principle n It is wrong to hit Michelle b/c it violates the Golden Rule n But what happens if two principles come into conflict…?