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Ethics and Morality Theory Part 3 13 September 2006
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Good Morning Going to Work on Monday
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Theories that we will look at Ethical relativism Individual (or subjective) Cultural Normative ethical theories Deontological Kantianism Contractualism Teleological Utilitarianism Does not provide rational moral distinctions Based on duty
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Comparing the Two Theories Both believe that there are universal moral rules Basis of those moral rules Kant: can be universalized Contract: would benefit the community
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Teleological Theory What is it? Something is good based on its consequences Doing Good is important Primary example: Utilitarianism Jeremy Bentham John Stuart Mill 1748-1832 1806-1873
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Utilitarianism Greatest Happiness Principle Compute the costs and benefits Simple calculation: do positives outweigh the negatives? Two forms Act – judge the consequence of a specific act Rule – judge the consequence of the generalized rule
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Strengths Focus on happiness Down to earth Appeals to many people Comprehensive
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Problems of Act that Rule Addresses Too much work to make a decision on each act Susceptible to happenstance
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Criticisms Ignores our sense of duty Range of effects that one must consider Calculus requires that we balance very different aspects Unjust distribution of good results
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Beyond Ethics
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Regulators in Physical Space (Lessig) Law (sanctions) Social norms (behavior) Market (cost) Architecture (self-enforcement)
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In Cyberspace Law Copyright, patent Slander, illegal sales and distribution Social norms Extra-cyberspace: Addictive behaviors Intra-cyberspace: flaming, spam Market Advertising Priced services Architecture Code
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How do we use all this? Ethical theories are a tool kit Use as appropriate Remember that counter-arguments may choose other tools Consider Lessig’s other regulators as well Do they negate the need for moral behavior?
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