Introduction to Ethics PDF

I. Introduction to Ethics 5. Voluntariness, Freedom, and Responsibility 1. Morality and Ethics Voluntariness: Acting based on Ethics: Study of what is right and...

I. Introduction to Ethics 5. Voluntariness, Freedom, and Responsibility 1. Morality and Ethics Voluntariness: Acting based on Ethics: Study of what is right and one's free will. Freedom: Ability to choose actions. wrong, good and bad in human Responsibility: Accountability for behavior. Morality: System of beliefs about actions based on one's freedom. acceptable behavior; what is considered "right" in society. 6. Culture and Morality Moral Standards: Guidelines that influence behavior (e.g., honesty, Culture: Influences our perception justice). of right and wrong. Non-Moral Standards: Rules, Cultural Relativism: Belief that policies, and regulations that don’t morality is relative to one's culture. directly involve moral issues. o Pros: Respects diversity. o Cons: Can lead to moral 2. Branches of Ethics conflicts between cultures. Meta-Ethics: Questions the nature 7. The Moral Agent of morality (e.g., Are morals objective?). A person capable of making moral Normative Ethics: Establishes how decisions and being responsible for people ought to act (e.g., Virtue them. Ethics, Deontology, Utilitarianism). Character Development: Shaped by Applied Ethics: Examines specific experiences, values, and decisions issues (e.g., business ethics, medical over time. ethics). 8. Feelings and Moral Decision 3. Moral and Non-Moral Standards Making Moral Standards: Guide our Emotions like empathy and guilt behavior in what is ethically play a role in moral judgments. acceptable. Balance emotions with reason for Non-Moral Standards: Policies or sound ethical decisions. regulations like traffic rules, work policies. 9. Reason and Impartiality 4. Moral Dilemma Reason: Critical thinking and logic in ethical decision-making. A situation where a person is faced Impartiality: Making decisions with two conflicting moral choices. without favoritism or bias. Example: Saving one person vs. saving many people. 10. Moral Courage  The strength to act ethically even 16. Three Characteristics That when it involves personal risk or Reveal Man's Moral Nature sacrifice. Example: Standing up against injustice even if unpopular. 1. Man by Natural Insight 11. Virtue Ethics Definition: Humans have an innate Focuses on developing good understanding of what is right and character traits (virtues) like courage, wrong through natural insight. honesty, and kindness. Explanation: This characteristic refers to Aristotle: The good life is achieved the ability of humans to instinctively by living virtuously. recognize moral values and principles without needing formal education or 12. Rights Theorists external rules. By natural insight, people can discern ethical behavior based on People have fundamental rights (e.g., empathy, fairness, and justice. life, liberty, property) that should be Example: Even without laws, most respected. people naturally understand that John Locke: Rights are inherent and causing harm to others is wrong. cannot be taken away. 2. Man Feels Himself Obliged 13. Utilitarianism Definition: Humans feel a sense of Ethical theory focusing on the moral obligation to act in accordance greatest happiness for the greatest with what they perceive as right. number. Explanation: This refers to the internal Jeremy Bentham & John Stuart moral compass that drives a person to Mill: Evaluate actions based on their fulfill duties and responsibilities, even consequences. when not externally compelled. Man feels a sense of duty to do good, be just, and avoid wrongdoing. 14. Justice and Fairness Example: A person may feel obligated to help someone in need or tell the truth, Justice: Giving each their due based even when no one else is watching. on fairness and equality. John Rawls: Theory of justice based 3. Man Feels Himself Accountable on fairness and equal rights for all. Definition: Humans have a sense of 15. Ethical and Moral Challenges accountability for their actions, recognizing the moral consequences. Examples: Euthanasia, Explanation: This characteristic means environmental ethics, technological that individuals are aware that their advancements. actions have ethical implications, and These challenges require balancing they are responsible for the outcomes. personal ethics with societal They feel answerable to their expectations.  conscience, society, or even a higher Moral decisions are based on free power. will and reasoning, not just instincts Example: A person might feel guilty or emotions. after lying or hurting someone, recognizing their responsibility in 5. Significance of Man’s Moral causing harm. Nature Moral Nature: Defines our humanity, allowing us to live ethically and contribute to the well- being of others. II. Man as a Person Ethical actions lead to personal and social flourishing. 1. Important Concepts and Principles in Ethics 6. The Social Dimensions of the Person Ethics: Study of human conduct, guiding us in deciding what is good, Man as a Social Being: Our right, or just. interactions with others shape our Key Concepts: Good, duty, virtue, moral beliefs. rights, and justice. Ethical responsibilities include respect for others, empathy, and 2. Man as a Person cooperation. Humans are unique because of 7. Application of Man’s Social rationality, free will, and moral Nature capacity. We are capable of ethical reflection Ethics influences how we behave in and responsible for our actions. social contexts like family, friendships, and society. 3. Man as a Rational Animal Examples: Justice in the community, fairness in relationships, respecting Aristotle: Humans are "rational others' rights. animals" because of our ability to reason. Rationality allows us to think critically, make decisions, and solve problems. 4. Man as a Moral Being Moral Being: Humans have the capacity to distinguish right from wrong.