Theories of Ethics

Theories of Ethics

And their applications in practice

Consequentialism

Teleological Ethics,

Greek teleos=end, purpose

"Action is morally right if it the consequences are positive/not negative.”

Criticism of Consequntialism

Evaluating ethical dilemmas

-Disregards importance of the moral character,

-Does not provide guidance what to do,

- Impersonal view of the actions,

- Intended/unforeseen consequences.

• Virtue (Aretaic Ethics)
• Duty (Deontology)
• Consequences (Consequentialism)

Examples

Deontology

Theory versus Practice

from the Greek word deon = duty

Theory - ideal way of doing things,

Practice - how do we do things in real world, accepted practice of doing things, procedures and policies that guide them.

“Act morally regardless of the consequences”

Based on the idea that action is moral if it adheres to a norm or rule.

Criticism of deontology

• As an independent designer and an avoid proponent of the smoke-free environment, will you agree to do a job for a client who asks to develop materials that argue that restrictions on tobacco products advertising are a violation of the First Amendment?
• As a photo reporter you are shooting the story when someone is getting hurt. Do you continue shooting or stop and help?
• As a blogger you report on a news story, and cite the source, a major news agency. Do you include a link to the story? Or is this not necessary, since you already cite the source, and adding the link will divert the reader from your page.

- Rules are absolute. If the situation does not fit the rule, exceptions has to be established,

- May lead to lesser happiness of the world,

- Problematic when duties are in conflict.

Virtue Ethics Theories

also called aretaic ethics (Greek arete =excellency of any kind )

"Act as a virtuous person would act"

Based on the idea that virtues are acquired and cultivated by habits, and a virtuous person will always act morally.

Theory and Philosophy

Ethics of Character <-> Ethics of Conduct

Criticism of ethics theories

Ethics of Conduct

(what should I do?)

- Self-centered,

- Do not provide guidance how to act,

- Do not consider effect actions have on other people,

- Development of values depends on many factors, luck including.

Deontology (duty based theories):

- Categorical Imperative

- Divine Command

- Natural Rights

- Contractual ethics

Ethics of Character

(what kind of person

should I be?)

Consequentialism (theories based on consequences):

- Utilitarianism

- Ethical egoism/altruism

- Rule consequnctialism

Virtue ethic theories

(examples):

- Eudaimonism

- Agent based theories

- Ethics of care