Week 2 - Classical Ethical Theories

Questions and Answers

What are normative ethical theories?

Rules and principles that determine right/wrong for a given situation.

What is an ethical theory?

An approach to understand making the moral distinction between good/bad.

What is ethical absolutism?

Universally applicable moral principles.

What does ethical relativism suggest?

Morality is context-dependent and subjective. Signup and view all the answers

What is morality?

Norms and values which people/communities define right or wrong. Signup and view all the answers

What is the study of ethics?

The study of principles, reasons, rules which can determine right/wrong in a situation. Signup and view all the answers

What are classical ethical theories?

Egoism, Utilitarianism, Deontology, Virtue Ethics. Signup and view all the answers

What is egoism?

A consequential theory suggesting action is morally right if it pursues desires or interests. Signup and view all the answers

What does a consequentialist theory focus on?

Consequences from decisions, not motivations of actions. Signup and view all the answers

What are some criticisms of egoism?

It puts different approaches to life as equivalent and can lead to issues like resource depletion. Signup and view all the answers

What does ethical egoism promote?

Absolute pursuit of self-interest while respecting human integrity. Signup and view all the answers

What is utilitarianism?

A consequential theory where action is morally right if it results in the greatest good for the greatest number. Signup and view all the answers

What problems are associated with utilitarianism?

Subjectivity, quantification problems, and utility distribution. Signup and view all the answers

What is deontology?

A non-consequentialist approach focused on obligations and moral duties. Signup and view all the answers

What is the categorical imperative?

A theoretical framework for deriving moral principles applicable to every ethical issue. Signup and view all the answers

What are virtue ethics?

An ethical theory concerned with the character of moral agents rather than specific actions. Signup and view all the answers

What is the drawback of virtue ethics?

Determining which community is of good practice to consult. Signup and view all the answers

What is the golden rule?

The principle of consistency, acting in a way that one would want others to act. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Normative Ethical Theories

Rule and principles that determine what is right or wrong in various situations.

Ethical Theories Overview

Framework to distinguish between good and bad, aiding everyday moral practices.
Positions include ethical absolutism (universal principles) and ethical relativism (context-dependent morality), with ethical pluralism in between.

Ethical Absolutism

Proposes universally applicable moral principles regardless of context.

Ethical Relativism

Suggests that morality depends on the individual and cultural context, affecting decision-making, especially in international business.

Morality Defined

Norms and values defined by people and communities that categorize actions as right or wrong.
Involves descriptive relativism, which addresses the diversity of moral beliefs, and focuses on avoiding harm.

Ethics Explained

Study of principles, reasons, and rules determining right from wrong, reflecting on morality and its codification for a better society.

Classical Ethical Theories

Four primary theories: Egoism, Utilitarianism, Deontology, and Virtue Ethics.

Egoism

A consequential theory where actions are morally right if they align with decision-makers' short-term desires or long-term interests.
Emphasizes enlightened self-interest, suggesting that denying short-term desires may serve long-term interests.

Consequentialist Perspective

Evaluates ethical decisions based on their outcomes rather than the intentions behind them.

Criticism of Egoism

Poses that it equates different life approaches, overlooks the impact of self-interest on others, and challenges the sustainability of pursuing personal desires alone.

Support for Ethical Egoism

Argues that individuals understand their needs better than they can care for others.
Promotes personal integrity and views all ethics as ultimately self-interested.

Egoism and Market Dynamics

Aligns with neoliberal models, promoting free competition influenced by the invisible hand.
Highlights flaws in markets, such as corruption, lack of perfect information, and the exclusion of future societal well-being.

Utilitarianism

A consequential theory where morality is defined by the greatest good for the greatest number, relying on cost-benefit analysis.
Categorizes good through maximizing pleasure or happiness, evaluated on both individual and rule-based consequences.

Relevance of Utilitarianism

Applies cost-benefit analysis in business contexts, though subjective interests may skew analysis and overemphasize majority perspectives at the expense of minorities.

Arguments Supporting Utilitarianism

Aligns with shared human needs and societal happiness, prioritizing social good over personal interests.

Problems of Utilitarianism

Subjectivity in consequences and challenges in quantifying benefits can lead to biased evaluations, particularly disregarding minority interests.

Deontology

A non-consequentialist approach asserting that morality is rooted in obligations that apply universally across ethical dilemmas.

Categorical Imperative

Establishes a framework with three ethical tests: consistency, human dignity, and universality, assessing the ethicality of actions.

Practices in Deontology

Emphasizes the importance of universal applicability in business ethics while encouraging individuals to reflect on moral principles.

Consistency in Ethics

Requires that behaviors should be universally applicable, recognizing potential threats to human security.

Human Dignity Principle

Advocates treating others as ends in themselves, acknowledging their inherent value and needs.

Universality in Actions

Proposes that ethical actions must be acceptable to every rational being.

Golden Rule Principle

Reflects the principle of consistency found in numerous religious traditions.

Non-Consequentialist Approach

Focuses on the motivations behind actions rather than their outcomes, providing a distinct perspective on ethical evaluation.

Arguments for Deontology

Protects against intrinsic evils and reliance on subjective judgments, emphasizing immutable ethical laws.

Virtue Ethics

Concentrates on the character of individuals as the basis for ethical behavior, promoting the development of virtuous traits.

Characteristics of Virtue

Defines moral virtues as habitual patterns and traits like honesty and courage, linking good actions to good character development.

Support for Virtue Ethics

Acknowledges that moral development is lifelong and influenced by community interactions, considering emotions and reasoning as critical components of morality.

Drawbacks of Virtue Ethics

Challenges in identifying communities of good practice and translating virtuous traits into action, highlighting the complexity of ethical decisions.

Practices in Virtue Ethics

Encourages situational ethics that respect cultural contexts, fostering interpersonal relationships rather than rigid adherence to rules.

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Test your knowledge on classical ethical theories with this flashcard quiz. The quiz covers important concepts such as normative ethical theories and various ethical approaches. Enhance your understanding of morality and ethical frameworks used in everyday situations.