ethics week 1

greek word ethos, meaning

equivalent meaning in the Latin word moris

it deals with the morality (rightness or wrongness) of the human act.

it is meant for the exercise of a human conduct, both ethical and unethical

it guides the intellect in discerning concrete human conduct.

we act in a way that is consistent and true to ourselves regardless of the situation in which we find ourselves

guides professional or societal conduct through formal principles.

are the personal beliefs that influence one’s priorities and choices.

concerns social or cultural norms about what is considered right or wrong.

about doing what’s right based on personal or societal morals

about following specific rules set by the government, with legal consequences for breaking them.

It involves making decisions based on what is considered morally correct by a group, organization, or society.

It involves a conflict between actions that you feel are right or wrong based on your own values, upbringing, or conscience.

is a conscious and free exercise of one’s faculties, therefore, conscious and free.

is an act beyond the control of one’s will

Resides in the intellect and is the mindfulness of what the moral agent is doing.

quality of the freewill by which one is able to choose between one or more alternatives

quality of the human act whereby any commission or omission of an act is a result of the knowledge which an agent has of the end.

The very substance of the act “what was performed by the agent?”

Purpose for which a human agent does the act. - “What specifically does the agent want?”

Belief/culture eg. universally accepted that killing is wrong. however it is also accepted that punishing someone for killing is right

law of god

human made law

The practical judgement that determines that an act is good, therefore to be done, and evil, therefore to be avoided.

Every individual has the right to make their own decisions, as long as these choices do not harm others

Individuals should be treated equally and fairly. Distributing benefits and burdens in an equitable way

“do not harm”

Keeping promises or commitments

telling the truth

Strive to do good (promote the well-being of others)

All individuals should be treated with respect

Individuals and institutions should take responsibility for their actions

Usually common among children. Judge morality of action based on direct consequences

an action is perceived as wrong because the perpetrator is punished

What’s in store for me?”

Usually common among adolescents. Judge morality of action based on societal views and expectations

live to expectations by being a good boy/girl

Important to obey rules to uphold social order

Known as “principled” level; marked by a growing realization of individual perspective that may differ from society. Live principles universally, especially human rights

World has differing opinions, rights, and values

based on abstract reasoning. Involves an individual’s imagination (what they would do in another’s shoes), if they believed what that other person imagines to be true.