Ethics Material PDF

THE CONCEPT, FUNDAMENTALS OF ETHICS, AND THE MORAL CHALLENGES OF PROFESSIONAL ETHICS Learning Targets Understand and define the concepts of integrity and ethics. Define three major theoretical approaches in integrity and ethics. Identify ethical dilemmas and apply differe...

THE CONCEPT, FUNDAMENTALS OF ETHICS, AND THE MORAL CHALLENGES OF PROFESSIONAL ETHICS Learning Targets Understand and define the concepts of integrity and ethics. Define three major theoretical approaches in integrity and ethics. Identify ethical dilemmas and apply different theoretical approaches. Learn and appreciate the concept of personal integrity. Develop students' ability to present and critique moral judgment. Broaden students' moral perspective and enlarge their moral obligation. Practice identifying and solving ethical problems. UNDERSTANDING AND DEFINING INTEGRITY AND ETHICS Ethics involves understanding whether moral statements are expressions of emotional attitudes (as argued by Ayer) or based on objective moral truths that apply universally and can be grounded in rational principles (as defended by Shafer-Landau). Integrity goes beyond mere compliance with rules, encompassing the inner alignment of one's actions with their ethical beliefs, and is particularly tested when external pressures might push one to act against those beliefs (as explored by Williams).  THE THREE MAJOR THEORETICAL APPROACHES IN INTEGRITY AND ETHICS Deontology is an ethical theory rooted in the philosophy of Immanuel Kant that emphasizes the importance of duty and adherence to universal moral rules. It holds that actions are morally right if they conform to these rules, regardless of the consequences. Consequentialism is an ethical theory, particularly exemplified by utilitarianism as detailed by Jeremy Bentham, that judges the morality of actions based on their outcomes. Virtue ethics is an ethical theory based on Aristotle’s philosophy, focusing on the development of virtuous character traits such as honesty, courage, and wisdom. IDENTIFYING ETHICAL DILEMMAS AND APPLYING THEORETICAL APPROACHES Emotivism, as discussed by Ayer, suggests that ethical dilemmas might not have objective resolutions since moral statements are simply expressions of personal feelings. Harman’s view on moral relativism suggests that different cultural or individual perspectives influence how ethical dilemmas are resolved. In a relativist framework, there might not be a single "correct" solution to an ethical problem; instead, solutions may vary based on cultural norms or personal beliefs. IDENTIFYING ETHICAL DILEMMAS AND APPLYING THEORETICAL APPROACHES Consequentialist thinkers like Bentham and Singer argue for resolving ethical dilemmas by evaluating the outcomes. The morally correct action is the one that results in the greatest good or reduces suffering A deontologist would resolve dilemmas by adhering strictly to moral rules (e.g., honesty, fairness), while a virtue ethicist would aim to act in a way that cultivates moral virtues (e.g., courage, compassion).  LEARNING AND APPRECIATING THE CONCEPT OF PERSONAL INTEGRITY Personal integrity involves standing by one's ethical convictions, even when it conflicts with external pressures to achieve results. For instance, a public relations professional may face pressure to spin a story in a misleading way for the sake of corporate success. DEVELOPING THE ABILITY TO PRESENT AND CRITIQUE MORAL JUDGMENT Presenting and critiquing moral judgments involves analyzing ethical situations and decisions through various theoretical frameworks. The "Experience Machine" is a hypothetical device that could provide you with any pleasurable experience you desire, yet Nozick argues that most people would choose not to plug into it. This is because people value more than just pleasure—they also seek authenticity, meaningful relationships, and a connection to reality. DEVELOPING THE ABILITY TO PRESENT AND CRITIQUE MORAL JUDGMENT Singer challenges the common belief that physical distance or lack of direct involvement reduces moral responsibility, especially in the context of global poverty. He argues that if we can prevent suffering without sacrificing anything of comparable moral importance, we are morally obligated to do so, regardless of where the suffering occurs.  BROADENING MORAL PERSPECTIVE AND ENLARGING MORAL OBLIGATION Philosophers like Peter Singer advocate for an expanded view of moral obligation that extends beyond our immediate surroundings. Singer’s utilitarian argument posits that moral obligation does not diminish with distance; rather, affluent individuals have a moral duty to alleviate global suffering, regardless of geographical boundaries.  BROADENING MORAL PERSPECTIVE AND ENLARGING MORAL OBLIGATION Railton’s work in “Alienation, Consequentialism, and the Demands of Morality” further delves into the challenges of such expansive moral obligations. He discusses how the demanding nature of consequentialist ethics can sometimes alienate individuals from their personal values, relationships, or sense of self. PRACTICING IDENTIFYING AND SOLVING ETHICAL PROBLEMS Hooker’s "Ideal Code, Real World" offers valuable insights into constructing ethical codes that work effectively in real-world scenarios. Hooker emphasizes that while ethical principles often begin as idealized concepts, they must be adapted to navigate the complexities of real-life situations.  WHAT IS PHILOSOPHY? Learning Targets Gain knowledge of western philosophers, major movements, issues and philosophical systems of the ancient world. Identify and learn important concepts, ideas and theories of western philosophers, major movements, issues and philosophical systems of the early modern era. Achieve ways in which ethical theory is applied to specific disciplines and/or issues, including: subjects in general education and other areas of relationship?  WESTERN PHILOSOPHERS AND PHILOSOPHICAL SYSTEMS OF THE ANCIENT WORLD Ancient Philosophy Overview Ancient philosophy (600 BCE - 500 CE) covers the ideas of early thinkers like Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, and the Stoics. They focused on questions about life, reality, knowledge, and morality.  Socrates believed that ethical living requires constant reflection on one’s actions. His Socratic Method (questioning everything) encourages people to examine their own beliefs to ensure they are making ethical decisions. KEY PHILOSOPHERS AND THEIR IDEAS  Plato believed in a higher reality beyond what we see. His Theory of Forms suggests that ideals like justice and goodness exist in a pure form, and we should strive to reflect these ideals in the physical world. KEY PHILOSOPHERS AND THEIR IDEAS Aristotle’s virtue ethics is about developing good character traits. For him, being ethical isn’t just about following rules— it’s about becoming a virtuous person who naturally does the right thing. KEY PHILOSOPHERS AND THEIR IDEAS  Zeno of Citium believed that happiness comes from accepting things we cannot control and focusing on what we can control, especially our reactions to life’s challenges. KEY PHILOSOPHERS AND THEIR IDEAS WESTERN PHILOSOPHERS IN THE EARLY MODERN ERA Early Modern Philosophy Overview During the Early Modern Era, philosophers started focusing on reason and experience as the best ways to understand the world. This was a time when people began to use logic and evidence-based thinking, which has had a huge influence on today’s science, law, and politics.  René Descartes’ idea that we should doubt everything until we have solid proof is the basis for modern science and critical thinking. His statement, “I think, therefore I am,” highlights the importance of self-awareness and reason KEY PHILOSOPHERS AND THEIR IDEAS  John Locke believed that all knowledge comes from experience, which emphasizes the value of practical learning. He also talked about natural rights, like life, liberty, and property, which are the foundation for modern ideas about human rights. KEY PHILOSOPHERS AND THEIR IDEAS Immanuel Kant believed in the categorical imperative, which means you should only act in a way that could be turned into a universal law. This idea emphasizes respecting others’ autonomy. KEY PHILOSOPHERS AND THEIR IDEAS  Utilitarianism is the idea that we should act in ways that bring the greatest happiness to the greatest number of people. Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill's ideas have had a major impact on public policy and law. KEY PHILOSOPHERS AND THEIR IDEAS  HOW ETHICAL THEORIES APPLY TO REAL-LIFE ISSUES Ethical theories like consequentialism (utilitarianism), deontology (Kantian ethics), and virtue ethics are not just abstract ideas; they are frameworks that help guide our actions in real-world situations.  Utilitarianism (Consequentialism) focuses on the outcomes of actions. It says that the best action is the one that leads to the most happiness. Deontology (Kantian Ethics) focuses on duties and principles rather than consequences. It emphasizes treating people with respect and following moral rules. Virtue Ethics focuses on developing good character traits. This is about being the kind of person who naturally makes the right choices. John Rawls’ Theory of Justice emphasizes fairness. His veil of ignorance thought experiment suggests that people should make decisions as if they didn’t know their own status in society. This encourages fairness and equality. HOW ETHICAL THEORIES APPLY TO REAL-LIFE ISSUES  WHAT IS ETHICS? Learning Targets Gain comprehension of the basic concepts and theories of ethics. Analyze and explain the philosophical study of ethics Enumerate and identify moral and ethical values.  BASIC CONCEPTS AND THEORIES OF ETHICS Ethics is the philosophical study of morality—what is good, bad, right, or wrong in human actions and decisions. It seeks to establish principles and rules to guide human behavior in different contexts.  BASIC CONCEPTS AND THEORIES OF ETHICS Key Concept Moral Values-These are the standards or principles that help individuals distinguish between right and wrong actions. Ethical Theories Deontological Ethics Consequentialsm Virtue Ethics  THE PHILOSOPHICAL STUDY OF ETHICS Jeremy Bentham’s Utilitarianism Actions should be judged based on their ability to create happiness or reduce suffering. Example: A company may lower its prices to make customers happy, even if it means earning less money. The idea is that overall happiness is more important than just profit. Robert Nozick’s "The Experience Machine" Happiness is not the only thing that matters; real experiences and personal growth are important too. Example: In a job, it’s not just about earning money or enjoying benefits. People also want meaningful work that helps them grow and feel fulfilled.  THE PHILOSOPHICAL STUDY OF ETHICS John Rawls’ Theory of Justice A fair society is one that protects everyone, especially the disadvantaged. Example: In a workplace, fair policies might ensure that employees, no matter their level or position, have equal access to opportunities and protections. Bernard Williams’ Critique of Consequentialism Ethics should consider personal integrity, not just the outcomes of actions. Example: A manager may refuse to fire employees, even if it would increase profits, because it goes against their personal values of fairness and loyalty.  THE PHILOSOPHICAL STUDY OF ETHICS Peter Singer’s "Famine, Affluence, and Morality" People who are well-off have a moral duty to help those who are suffering, especially in global contexts. Example: In a workplace, fair policies might ensure that employees, no matter their level or position, have equal access to opportunities and protections.  THE PHILOSOPHICAL STUDY OF ETHICS In summary, these philosophers offer different perspectives on ethics. Some focus on the consequences of actions (like Bentham and Singer), while others emphasize fairness (like Rawls), personal values (like Williams), or the importance of real-life experiences (like Nozick). Ethics isn't just about following rules—it's about thinking deeply about what makes an action right or wrong, considering the well-being of others, and staying true to your own principles.  MORAL AND ETHICAL VALUES The concepts of moral and ethical values serve as guidelines for determining what is right or wrong in human behavior. These values are essential in shaping both personal conduct and societal norms. Although they may differ across cultures or philosophical beliefs, certain core values are common and widely respected.  MORAL AND ETHICAL VALUES Honesty- truthful and transparent in what we say and do Justice- Treating people fairly, ensuring equal rights, and upholding fairness in all decisions. Compassion- Feeling sympathy for others and acting to help reduce their suffering. Courage- Facing fear or challenges with strength, especially when upholding moral principles. Respect- Treating others with dignity and valuing their autonomy and opinions. Some key moral and ethical values MORAL INTUITIONS AND CRITICAL REASONING Learning Targets Interpret and infer some moral intuitions and critical reasoning. Cite and discuss examples of moral sentiments and moral principles. Compare and differentiate ethnic and religious faith MORAL INTUITIONS Moral intuitions are like gut feelings about what is right or wrong. We don't always stop to think deeply; instead, we react based on what feels right to us.  CRITICAL REASONING IN ETHICS Critical reasoning is thinking things through carefully before deciding what’s right or wrong. It involves asking tough questions and considering different sides of the issue. MORAL SENTIMENTS VS. MORAL PRINCIPLES Moral sentiments are the emotions we feel that guide our actions, like empathy (compassion), guilt, or outrage. Moral principles are the rules or guidelines we follow to make ethical decisions.  ETHNIC FAITH VS. RELIGIOUS FAITH Ethnic faith refers to religious beliefs that are tied to a particular ethnic or cultural group. Religious faith usually refers to organized religions that are practiced by people all over the world, regardless of their ethnicity.