Religion and Ethics

Root Meaning of 'Ethics'

• The term 'ethics' originates from the Greek word 'ethos', meaning character or custom.

Greek Interpretation of Ethics

• For the Greeks, ethics referred to the moral character of individuals and the customs of society.

Meaning of 'Ethical'

• The term 'ethical' is used to describe actions or decisions that align with principles of right and wrong.

Aim of Ethics

• The primary aim of ethics, as a branch of moral philosophy, is to understand what constitutes a good life and to establish criteria for moral behavior.

Fundamental Questions of Ethics

• Ethics leads to fundamental questions, such as:
  • What is the nature of good?
  • How should we act in various situations?
  • What are our moral obligations to others?

Ethical Scenario: Car Crash

• In the scenario of witnessing a car crash, the ethical decision may involve saving the most people possible rather than focusing on a single individual.

Ethical Scenario: Concentration Camp

• In the scenario involving a concentration camp, the girl should ideally take action that reflects moral courage, despite her circumstances.

Ethical Scenario: Lost at Sea

• When lost at sea, one should take actions that enhance their chances of survival, considering both personal and potential rescue efforts.

Ethical Scenario: Tom and Joe

• Joe's failure in the context differs from Tom's action as it implies inaction rather than a deliberate harmful behavior; thus, they are not morally equivalent.

Ethical Scenario: Fat Man and Dynamite

• The right choice involves determining the least harmful action, potentially stopping a greater disaster, which means sacrificing personal comfort or safety when necessary.

Dilemma of Saving One Life vs. Another

• Ethical dilemmas require evaluating the greatest good; saving one person at the cost of another’s life demands close consideration of circumstances and consequences.

Distinction Between Joe's Failure and Tom's Action

• Joe's failure represents a lack of action, while Tom's action signifies a choice that caused harm, marking a distinct moral alignment between omission and commission.

Ethical Course of Action: Fat Man in Cave

• The most ethical response in the cave scenario may involve assessing the impact of actions on the group’s survival and considering collective welfare over individual dilemmas.

Deciding Right from Wrong

• Decisions about right or wrong can often be guided by rational thought, moral principles, and the potential outcomes of one’s actions.

Nature of Ethics and Moral Choices

• Ethics suggests that moral choices are not always clear-cut and demands a continual evaluation of context, consequences, and underlying principles.