Moral Theories and Justice PDF

GE2412 MORAL THEORIES AND JUSTICE Moral theories provide frameworks for understanding what is right and wrong. They guide our decisions and help us navigate complex ethical dilemmas. This module explores three major moral theories: consequentialism, deontology, and vi...

GE2412 MORAL THEORIES AND JUSTICE Moral theories provide frameworks for understanding what is right and wrong. They guide our decisions and help us navigate complex ethical dilemmas. This module explores three major moral theories: consequentialism, deontology, and virtue ethics. Consequentialism Consequentialism is the idea that the rightness or wrongness of actions depends on their outcomes or consequences. If an action leads to good results, it is considered the right action. Utilitarianism is a type of consequentialism, and it says that the right action is the one that brings the most happiness or benefit to most people. Types of Consequentialism 1. Act Consequentialism –This looks at each individual action and its outcomes. Each action is judged by how much happiness it creates. Example: If telling a lie helps more people, an act consequentialist might say it's okay to lie in that case. 2. Rule Consequentialism – This looks at whether following certain rules when generally applied, leads to the best outcomes in the long run. If following a rule helps society overall, it is considered the right rule. Example: A rule like "don’t lie" might be justified if it creates more trust and happiness in society. Key Thinkers: Jeremy Bentham – Founder of utilitarianism, said that actions are right if they bring happiness and wrong if they cause pain. John Stuart Mill – A follower of Bentham, who said that some pleasures (like intellectual ones) are more valuable than others (like physical ones). Deontology Deontology is the idea that some actions are right or wrong in themselves, no matter what the outcomes are. It focuses on duties and rules we must follow. Key Features: Duty-Based Ethics – Deontologists believe we have moral duties (like telling the truth) that must be followed, regardless of the results. Categorical Imperative – This is a rule from philosopher Immanuel Kant that says you should act only in ways that you believe everyone should act. In other words, if you think it’s okay to do something, then everyone should be able to do it, too. Example: A deontologist would argue that lying is always wrong, even if lying could help someone or prevent harm. 02 Handout 1A *Property of STI Page 1 of 4  GE2412 Key Proponent Immanuel Kant – The most influential deontologist, Kant believed in the importance of reason and moral law. He argued that rational principles must guide moral actions and that individuals should always treat others as ends in themselves, not merely as means to an end. Virtue Ethics Virtue ethics focuses on the character of the moral agent rather than on rules or consequences. It emphasizes the importance of developing good character traits, or virtues, which enable individuals to live ethically. Key Features Character Over Action – Virtue ethics argues that ethical behavior comes from being a good person rather than following rules or evaluating consequences. The Golden Mean – Aristotle, a key figure in virtue ethics, proposed the concept of the "golden mean," which suggests that virtue lies between two extremes (excess and deficiency). Example: Courage is the mean between recklessness and cowardice. If a person acts bravely in a difficult situation, they are exhibiting the virtue of courage. Virtue ethics would emphasize that cultivating such virtues leads to a fulfilling and ethical life. Key Proponent Aristotle – Often regarded as the father of virtue ethics, Aristotle emphasized the importance of developing good character traits to achieve eudaimonia (human flourishing). Comparing the Theories Feature Consequentialism Deontology Virtue Ethics Focus Outcomes/Consequences Duties/Rules Character/Virtues Key Question What will result in the greatest What are my What kind of person should happiness? moral duties? I be? Main Bentham, Mill Kant Aristotle Proponents Example of Lying to produce a better Lying is inherently Acting bravely in a Action outcome wrong challenging situation Understanding these three moral theories can help you navigate ethical dilemmas in your own life. Each theory provides a unique perspective on morality, focusing on different aspects of ethical decision- making. By recognizing the strengths and weaknesses of each approach, you can become more proficient in understanding what it means to act ethically. 02 Handout 1A *Property of STI Page 2 of 4  GE2412 THE CONCEPT OF JUSTICE AND HUMAN RIGHT Justice is a fundamental concept in ethics and moral philosophy. It refers to the principle of fairness and the notion that individuals should be treated equally and with respect. Throughout history, various philosophers and thinkers have debated the meaning of justice, its significance, and how it applies to social structures. In ethical discourse, justice is a key element in evaluating the actions of individuals, organizations, and governments. The Importance of Justice Justice is essential to maintain social order and ensure that individuals have their rights recognized and protected. It promotes accountability, discourages wrongdoing, and promotes trust among members of society. When justice is upheld, people are more likely to feel secure and valued, which in turn strengthens community bonds and encourages cooperation. Main Types of Justice 1. Distributive Justice – It focuses on the fair distribution of resources and benefits within society. It raises questions about who receives what and how wealth and opportunities should be allocated. Example: A government may implement progressive taxation to ensure that wealthier individuals contribute more to public services, thus assisting those in need. 2. Retributive Justice – It deals with punishment for wrongdoing. It emphasizes the idea that individuals who commit crimes should face consequences appropriate to their actions. Example: A court sentencing a person to prison for committing theft based on the extent of their crime. 3. Restorative Justice – Unlike retributive justice, restorative justice focuses on repairing the harm caused by criminal behavior. This approach involves the offender, the victim, and the community in a dialogue to determine how to make amends. Example: A thief returns stolen goods and participates in community service to compensate for their actions. 4. Social Justice – Social justice emphasizes the need for equality and fair treatment for all individuals, particularly marginalized groups. It advocates for addressing systemic inequalities and ensuring that all individuals have access to basic rights and opportunities. Example: Movements that fight against racial discrimination and promote equal rights for all Understanding Human Rights Human rights are the basic rights and freedoms that belong to every person in the world, from birth until death. These rights protect individuals' dignity, equality, and freedom. Understanding human rights is essential for everyone, as they form the foundation for a just and peaceful society. Basic Human Rights While different cultures and legal systems may interpret and apply them in varying ways, basic human rights typically include the following: 1. Right to life – The right to live and not be arbitrarily deprived of life 02 Handout 1A *Property of STI Page 3 of 4  GE2412 2. Right to liberty and security – The right to personal freedom, including freedom from arbitrary arrest or detention 3. Right to equality before the law – All individuals should be treated equally and protected by law 4. Freedom of expression – The right to express one’s opinions freely without retaliation 5. Right to privacy – Protection from arbitrary interference with personal privacy, family, and home 6. Right to education – Access to education is a basic right for all individuals 7. Right to work and fair wages – The right to gain employment and receive fair compensation for one's labor 8. Freedom of assembly – The right to gather peacefully and form associations 9. Right to participate in government – The right to take part in the political process, including voting and running for office. 10. Right to a fair trial – The right to a public hearing, a fair and impartial trial, and legal representation if accused of a crime. These rights are enshrined in international documents such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), adopted by the United Nations in 1948, and various regional agreements and national constitutions. They are regarded as essential to ensuring the well-being, dignity, and freedom of individuals worldwide. References BBC. (n.d.). Ethics - Introduction to Ethics: Consequentialism. https://www.bbc.co.uk/ethics/introduction/consequentialism_1.shtml. BBC. (n.d.). Ethics - Introduction to Ethics: Duty-based ethics. https://www.bbc.co.uk/ethics/introduction/duty_1.shtml. Beyond Intractability. (2024, January 12). Types of justice. https://www.beyondintractability.org/essay/types_of_justice. Ethics Unwrapped. (2023, January 9). Consequentialism - Ethics Unwrapped. https://ethicsunwrapped.utexas.edu/glossary/consequentialism#:~:text=Consequentialism%20is%20an%20ethical %20theory%20that%20judges%20whether%20or%20not,the%20right%20thing%20to%20do. Ethics Unwrapped. (2022, November 5). Deontology - Ethics Unwrapped. https://ethicsunwrapped.utexas.edu/glossary/deontology. Huberty, E. (n.d.). What is Justice? https://www.humanrightscareers.com/issues/what-is-justice/. The Ethics Centre Ethics. (2021, December 13). Ethics Explainer: Deontology. https://ethics.org.au/ethics- explainer-deontology/. United Nations. (n.d.). Universal Declaration of Human Rights | United Nations. https://www.un.org/en/about- us/universal-declaration-of-human-rights. 02 Handout 1A *Property of STI Page 4 of 4