Ethics Flashcards
Divine Command Theory
- Being good is equivalent to doing whatever the a sacred text tells you to do
- “do what the bible tells you to do”
The Ethics of our Inner Voice
- Conscience tells us what is right or wrong
- often has religious source
- often tells us what isn’t right
Ethical Egoism
- Says that the only person to look out for is yourself
- Act in a way that supports self Interest
The ethics of duty
- Ethics is about doing your duty
- may be determined by:
- Reason
- Professional Role
- Social Role
Do the right thing
Consequentialism and NonConsequentialism
A consequentialist looks at consequences to make decisions and a NonConsequentialist doesn’t
Egoist
Thinks long term
Hedonism
- Part of Ethical Egoism
- Act in a way that gives you most pleasure
Epicurus
- Greek Philosopher
- Hedonist
- “aim of life is to achieve”
What is pleasure?
Freedom from bodily pain and mental agitation
Utilitarianism
We act morally when we act in everyone’s best interest.
Happiness for greatest amount of people
Act Utilitarianism
Act in a way that will bring happiness to others
Rule Utilitarianism
Act so the rules governing our actions produce the greatest happiness for others
Maxim
A rule or principle of action
Universal Law
Something always done in similar situations
The formula of Humanity
- We are NOT objects
- we must not lie
- we must not use people
