Download Revision Notes Ethical Theory

Recap on Ethical Theory
The Euthyphro Dilemma
• ‘Are actions good because the gods command
them, or are they good in themselves?’
• Problem = where does our sense of right and
wrong come from? This was the start of moral
philosophy
• If it comes from the gods, how can we trust it is
right, and not just an arbitrary decision without
meaning?
• If it is right in itself, then how do we know this?
Also, it takes power away from god.
• If it comes from us, then it is also just arbitrary
and meaningless
Absolute and Relative Morality
• Theories can fall into two different ‘camps’
regarding moral philosophy
• If morality is seen to be absolute then
some things are ALWAYS right and others
ALWAYS wrong – regardless of the
situation
• If morality is relative, then there are
general moral principles that should be
followed most of the time, but might
change depending on the situation.
Heteronomy and Autonomy
• Morality can also be said to have 2 different
groundings:
• If morality is heteronymous then it is linked with
religion. There may be other influences on you,
but you will look to religion for main guidance
(e.g. scriptures, traditions, leaders).
• If morality is autonomous it is separate from
religion – it may be a philosophy, based on what
your parents taught you, etc. You will not look to
religion for guidance, although it may be a small
influence.
Divine Command Theory
• Morality based on religion
• This is the main type of heteronomy
• People who are religious will follow:
– Scripture
– Tradition
– Religious Leaders / Key figures
– Own Conscience and Reason
BE ABLE TO GIVE EXAMPLES OF EACH
FROM CHRISTIANITY OR BUDDHISM
The Golden Rule
• This can be autonomous
or heteronymous.
• It is the idea that if people
treated others as they
would wish to be treated,
then for the majority the
world would be a better
place.
• Almost all religions and
philosophies have a
version of this rule.
Value
System
Quote
Christianity
“Do for others what
you would want
them to do for you.”
(Matt.)
Buddhism
“Since the self is
dear, let him who
desires his own
advantage not
harm another”
Humanism
“Don’t do things to
others you wouldn’t
want to have done
to you.”
Kantian Ethics
• Theory by Immanuel Kant
• Morality is based on reason not emotion
• Therefore what you intend and why is the
important focus.
• Good intentions come from Good Will.
• The use of Reason to inform Good Will helps
highlight your Duty in any situation.
• You duty can be role-based, but also based on
categorical imperatives.
• You also need your reason to figure out if you
are acting by a universalisable maxim.
Utilitarian Ethics
• Bentham and Mill
• Believed people were hedonists (ruled by pleasure and
pain) but needed an objective way of figuring out morality.
• The right thing is to do the ‘greatest good for the greatest
number’ (or the least harm)
• Objective and measurable account of morality – based on
the Hedonistic Calculus which considers aspects like the
duration, strength, and reach of pleasure/pain.
• Bentham = an act utilitarian = each moral situation should
be calculated to get the correct course of action (as each is
unique)
• Mills = a rule utilitarian = we have experience that has led us
to general moral rules which usually provide the greatest
good. Only in situations of conflicting rules would you use
the calculus. Also difference between higher and lower
pleasures.