Theories of justice and ethics

Question 1

What is consequentialism? (2)

Answer 1

• the right moral action is the one that produces the best overall consequences
• incorporates a utailitarian approach in considering the greatest good for the greatest number

Question 2

What is virtue-based ethics? 4

Answer 2

• focuses on the development of good character
• considers the purpose of human life to be to live virtuously
• the highest good is Eudaimonia (happiness/flourshing)
• virtues can include courage, generosity, honesty, gentleness, friendliness

Question 3

What is principle-based/kant/deontology ethics? (4)

Answer 3

• moral laws are universaible meaning that they are true for everyone, exceptions cannot be made based on gender etc.
• good intent equates to good action
• respect is at the foundation
• locates a persons worth in their dignity, reason and autonomy, our ability to chooe

Question 4

Pros and cons of consequentialism (4)

Answer 4

• it is a ‘scientific’ approach, it takes a larger view beyond the individual
• it can extend ethics to the consequences for other living things
• minority would be subject to harm is considering the best consequences for the majority
• can justify slavery

Question 5

Pros and cons of virtue-based ethics 4

Answer 5

• they can be broad and holistic, don’t provide specificities
• doesn’t consider the bigger picture
• highly subjective and individualistic
• there are no objective virtues that can be followed by everyone

Question 6

Pros and cons of deontological/kant/principle-based ethics 4

Answer 6

• doesn’t consider the consequences which can create dire outcomes
• creates absolutes, there are no in-between or grey areas
• provides certainity, the action is right so it is right
• provides behavioural expectations that can be trasnlated to many different situations

Question 7

What is justice?

Answer 7

• Justice basically means fairness, it involves natural law (universal absolute concepts) that prescribe just outcomes

Question 8

What is structural injustice?

Answer 8

• injustices aren’t just the result of one individual’s wrongdoings but rather that this individual is influenced by a prejudical system
• where an unjust structure maintained by complex self-reinforcing principles

Question 9

What is distributive justice and list the 4 types

Answer 9

• Distributive justice is concerned with the fair distribution of resources, power and wealth
• Egalitarian, desert, need and utilitarian

Question 10

What is procedural justice? and give egs

Answer 10

• To do with having a fair trial
• includes right to silence, prosecution has the burden of proof, presumption of innocence etc.

Question 11

Define retributive and restorative justice

Answer 11

• Retributive is about punishing the offender
• restorative justice is about restoring the offender and reintegrating them into soceity, can involve victim and members of society

Question 12

Explain the milgram experiment

Answer 12

• inteded to answer questions on how humans conduct inhumane acts and their obedience to authority
• highly unethical experiment that revealed people are obedient beings where they will follow orders, especially if they are promised not to be held responisble

Question 13

Comment on structural injustice in relation to MLK

Answer 13

• justice may be served by breaking the law - civil rights movement
• it should be considered who the victims and beneficiaries of the structural injustices are