Ethics Theories PDF

TOPICS TO BE DISCUSSED: Kant and Rights Theorists Categorical Imperative Different kinds of Rights Legal Moral Utilitarianism Justice and Fairness The Nature of the Theory Distributive Justice Egalitarianism Name: Immanuel Kant Birth Date: April 22, 1724 Death Date: February 12, 1804...

TOPICS TO BE DISCUSSED: Kant and Rights Theorists Categorical Imperative Different kinds of Rights Legal Moral Utilitarianism Justice and Fairness The Nature of the Theory Distributive Justice Egalitarianism Name: Immanuel Kant Birth Date: April 22, 1724 Death Date: February 12, 1804 Age at Death: 79 years Birthplace: Königsberg, Prussia (now Kaliningrad, Russia) Residence: Lived in Königsberg his entire life Nationality: German Notable Works: Critique of Pure Reason, Critique of Practical Reason, Critique of Judgment Kant was a key figure in the Enlightenment, profoundly influencing modern philosophy. Categorical Imperative (Unconditional Duties) Immanuel Kant's categorical imperative is a central concept in his ethical philosophy, asserting that moral obligations are universally binding, regardless of personal desires. It contrasts with hypothetical imperatives (Conditional on Desire), which depend on specific goals. Formulations of the Categorical Imperative Universalizability: Act only according to maxims that could be universal laws Humanity as an End: Treat humanity always as an end, not merely as a means Different Kinds of Rights WHAT IS RIGHT ? A right is something you are allowed to do or have. It is like a rule that says what people can or cannot do to you. Rights help protect people’s freedom and dignity in society.  LEGAL RIGHT These are rights that are written into the law. The government and courts protect these rights, and if someone breaks them, there can be legal consequences. Example If you own a house, the law protects your right to that house, and no one can take it from you without legal permission. immanuel kant’s Moral right Moral Right These are rights based on what people believe is right or wrong. They are not written into the law, but they come from personal beliefs or what society thinks is fair. Example You believe that it’s morally right to respect your friends’ privacy and not share their secrets, even if it’s not illegal to talk about them. Utalitarianism  History of Utalitarianism The theory of utilitarianism was first systematically articulated by philosophers Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill in the 18th and 19th centuries. Jeremy Bentham John Stuart Mill Bentham introduced the idea of utility. Mill later expanded on Bentham’s Which he defines as; ideas, emphasizing qualitative differences in pleasures. The capacity of actions to produce benefits such as pleasure Intellectual Pleasure > and happiness while preventing Physical Pleasure harm or pain. What is Utalitarianism? Utilitarianism is a significant ethical theory that posits that the moral worth of an action is determined by its outcomes, specifically in terms of maximizing happiness or well-being for the greatest number of people.  Key Principles of Utilitarianism and Core principles: Consequentialism The morality of an action is judged solely by its consequences. Impartiality Every individual's happiness counts equally. Maximization of Utility Utilitarian actions aim to maximize overall happiness and minimize suffering How does “Utilitarianism” plays a crucial role in shaping individual morals and ethics? Guidance for Decision-Making Social Justice and Reform Ethical Consistency Collective Responsibility  Kant's Deontological Ethics Utilitarianism Duty and adherence to moral FOCUS Consequences of actions. rules. Actions are right if they produce Actions are right or wrong based PRINCIPLE the greatest good for the on intrinsic properties. greatest number. The consequences of actions are The consequences are the OUTCOME irrelevant. primary concern.  Justice and Fairness in Utilitarianism Consequentialist Approach: Justice is determined by the outcomes of actions; fairness may be sacrificed for greater overall utility John Rawls's Critique Justice as Fairness: Rawls argues for principles that protect individual rights, emphasizing that inequalities are only justified if they benefit the least advantaged. Difference Principle: Social inequalities are acceptable only if they improve the situation of the worst-off members of society  The Separateness of Persons Objection Criticism of Utilitarianism: It treats individuals as interchangeable units, risking significant harm to some for the benefit of others. Importance of Individual Rights: Rawls emphasizes that justice must respect individual dignity and moral worth.  THE NATURE OF THE THEORY The nature of a theory in ethics encompasses the essential principles and traits that determine how the theory interprets and assesses moral behavior. Different ethical theories offer frameworks for understanding right and wrong, helping individuals make moral decisions. Decision-making Process Deontology Practical Application Key Aspects DECISION-MAKING PROCESS -THE NATURE OF AN ETHICAL THEORY INCLUDES THE APPROACH IT ADVOCATES FOR MAKING MORAL CHOICES. DIFFERENT THEORIES OFFER DISTINCT METHODS FOR ETHICAL REASONING DEONTOLOGY - THIS THEORY EMPHASIZES THE IMPORTANCE OF FOLLOWING RULES OR DUTIES WHEN MAKING DECISIONS. IT POSITS THAT CERTAIN ACTIONS ARE INHERENTLY RIGHT OR WRONG, REGARDLESS OF THEIR CONSEQUENCES. EXAMPLE : VIRTUE ETHICS PRACTICAL APPLICATION ETHICAL THEORIES ARE NOT JUST ABSTRACT CONCEPTS; THEY ARE DESIGNED TO BE APPLIED TO REAL-LIFE SITUATIONS. THE NATURE OF A THEORY INCLUDES ITS ABILITY TO PROVIDE PRACTICAL GUIDANCE FOR NAVIGATING MORAL DILEMMAS. THIS INVOLVES OFFERING CLEAR PRINCIPLES THAT INDIVIDUALS CAN FOLLOW WHEN FACED WITH COMPLEX ETHICAL DECISIONS. Distributive justice concerns the socially just allocation of resources, goods, opportunity in a society. It is concerned with how to allocate resources fairly among members of a society, taking into account factors such as wealth, income, and social status. Egalitarianism Referenxes References (Utalitarianism) https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/utilitarianism https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Classical_utilitarianism https://www.investopedia.com/terms/u/utilitarianism.asp https://iep.utm.edu/util-a-r/ https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/utilitarianism-history/ https://utilitarianism.net https://www.britannica.com/topic/utilitarianism-philosophy https://ethicsunwrapped.utexas.edu/glossary/utilitarianis