Grade 12 Ethics: Moral Dilemmas and Philosophy

The Ethical Dimension of Human Existence

• Philosophy is derived from Greek meaning "love of wisdom" and involves questioning human thought, the universe, and their connections.
• Ethics, a branch of philosophy, defines standards of right and wrong as shaped by society, encompassing rules from external sources like religion, culture, and laws.
• Morality refers to the principles concerning what is right or wrong that guide individual behavior, integrating concepts of fairness, justice, and shared human needs.
• Nina’s dilemma highlights the conflict between personal integrity and loyalty to peers, prompting questions about moral responsibility.

Sources of Moral Authority

• Religion: Divine command theory emphasizes obedience to God’s will, often aligning religious teachings with ethical principles like love, generosity, and forgiveness, though challenges arise from diverse religious beliefs and doctrines.
• Law: Laws guide ethical behavior but can sometimes allow actions that are morally questionable, such as short-term employment practices that leave employees vulnerable.
• Culture: Cultural norms significantly shape moral values and decision-making. However, cultural relativism complicates ethics, as what is right in one culture may not be accepted in another, leading to potential abuse of vulnerable groups.

The Senses of the Self

• Subjectivism: Centers on individual judgment where a person is the ultimate authority in making moral decisions, emphasizing personal experience. Critique includes neglecting shared human experiences and the value of community perspectives.
• Psychological Egoism: Suggests all human actions are motivated by self-interest. This perspective challenges altruism, viewing even acts of kindness as self-serving, which can present a pessimistic view of human nature.
• Ethical Egoism: A theory advocating that individuals should act in their own self-interest as morally permissible, differing from psychological egoism by asserting that self-interest ought to be pursued, not merely observed.

Ethical Decision-Making

• Importance of making morally and ethically sound decisions is emphasized, particularly given the challenges individuals face in complex scenarios.
• Intrinsic values derived from upbringing, social interactions, and personal experiences contribute to forming one’s moral compass.
• Ethical dilemmas, such as Nina’s experience, reflect the multifaceted nature of human morality and the impact of context on ethical choices.