Ethics Basic Concepts Chapter 1

Study Notes

Defines ethics as principles or standards of human conduct, rooted in the Greek word "ethika," meaning character.
Morality, from the Latin "mores," refers to customs and practical behavior judged according to ideas of right and wrong.
Ethics involves the theoretical framework, while morality pertains to practical application.
Both ethics and morality center on character and habitual behavior within a community context.

Ethics guides actions by determining what is considered right and wrong.
Morality reflects actual conduct based on ethical principles.
The distinction between good (achievement of goals) and right (adherence to laws and rules) is crucial in moral philosophy.

Goodness is linked to outcomes and benefits, while rightness involves conformity to rules and duties.
The goodness paradigm focuses on fulfilling people’s desires and aspirations; the rightness paradigm emphasizes organization and societal regulations.
Goodness and rightness are not complementary but represent different frameworks for understanding morality.

Goodness can be viewed instrumentally (utility) or biologically (health).
Instrumental goodness relates to how well something achieves its intended purpose, such as technology aiding communication or recreation.
Biological goodness refers to essentials for survival, like air, water, and food, emphasizing health and well-being.
Understanding what is good requires acknowledging the purpose behind it; good is defined by its context of usefulness or utility for individuals or society.

Identification of moral dilemmas involves recognizing situations where ethical principles conflict.
Three levels of moral dilemmas can be classified, necessitating nuanced understanding to resolve these conflicts.
Freedom is highlighted as a foundational aspect of morality, crucial for making ethical choices.