1. An Introductory Exploration
Ethics & Morality
An Introductory Exploration

2. Ethics & Morality (Ethics = Moral Philosophy)
Concerned with “right” and “wrong” behavior
How should people behave?

3. The Four Branches of Ethics
Meta-Ethics
Normative Ethics
Descriptive Ethics
Applied Ethics

4. Branches of Ethics
Meta-ethics: explores the origins, nature , and scope of ethics
Normative Ethics: proposes what should be considered right and wrong behavior
Descriptive Ethics: describes and compares how people or groups think and act ethically
Applied Ethics: decides how people should act in given situations or scenarios

5. The “sense of morality” is built into the human brain
The human brain has the
built-in capacity …
to laugh and cry
to use language
to make music and art
to imagine
to remember
to intuit
to moralize
(Conscience)

6. If a “Moral Compass” is built in…
Right
Then, how do people fill in the content or decide which actions go where?
Neutral
Unsure
Wrong

7. Socialization How does society teach you right and wrong?
Family
Media
You
Peers
School

8. Lawrence Kohlberg’s Theory of Moral Development

9. Lawrence Kohlberg’s Theory of Moral Development

10. Develop a considered and conscious ethical code to live by.
Does it matter?
Option I
Option II
Just do what you think or feel is right when a decision or dilemma presents itself.
Develop a considered and conscious ethical code to live by.

11. What can we kill ethically?

12. Is cheating wrong? Using your hands in a soccer game?
Concealing some income on tax form?
Deceiving your life partner about where you have been?
Yes
Depends No

13. Normative Ethics An Example

14. Feed the hungry, clothe the naked, comfort the sick…
Feed the hungry, clothe the naked, comfort the sick…. Who are we talking about?

15. End of Elephant Shows?

16. How Far Do Ethical Responsibilities Reach?
All Matter
All Life
All Animals
All People
People in US
Family & Friends
Eco-Ethics
Vitalism
Animism
Humanism
Nationalism
Tribalism

17. Who Should be Bound by an Ethical Code?
Ethical Subjectivism
Each individual should have her own ethical code.
Ethical Relativism
Each society or cultural group should have its own ethical code.
Ethical Universalism
There should be one ethical code for all people on the planet.

19. Assignment on 3-09