Ethics Perspectives Flashcards
(11 cards)
This is an ethical theory meaning that it encompasses a number of more specific approaches. ___ theories tell us not only what we ought to do, but also why we do things that in some instances may appear counterintuitive to what we think an ethical decision would be. Such theories are often called ethical systems because they provide a system that allows people to determine ethical actions that individuals should take. Philosophers have defined ___ ethics as theories of ethics that are concerned with the norms, standards or criteria that define principles of ethical behavior. For this reason, ___ ethics are sometimes referred to as social standard ethics, meaning that their power is derived from the social contract or shared beliefs of a society.
Normative
This is an ethical theory meaning that it encompasses a number of more specific approaches. ___ ethics are situational: they are based on accounting for the factors peculiar to a case rather than looking for a general principle to apply. For this reason, they are often associated with codes of ethics for specific professions or groups, which might include engineering associations or company regulations and norms. How we apply normative theories to specific issues, usually related to work or belonging to an organization. Philosophers have defined ___ ethics as the application of normative ethics to particular ethical issues.
Applied
This ethical system states that people should adhere to their obligations and duties when engaged in decision making when ethics are in play. This means that a person will follow their obligations to another individual or society because upholding one’s duty is what is considered ethically correct. A person who adheres to ___ theory will produce very consistent decisions since they will be based on the individual’s set duties.
Deontology
___ ethical theories are based on one’s ability to predict the consequences of an action, so they tend to be understood as working best in situations with high information. To a ___, the choice that yields the greatest benefit to the most people is the one that is ethically correct. Uncertainty complicates this form of ethics.
Utilitarianism
This system is associated with individual moral character and emphasizes a set of virtues selected by the individual. A ___ ethicist views a situation of helping a person as ethical because the act would align with their personal values. What distinguishes ___ ethics from consequentialism or deontology is the centrality of virtue within the theory. Whereas consequentialists will define virtues as traits that yield good consequences and deontologists will define them as traits possessed by those who reliably fulfill their duties, ___ ethicists will resist the attempt to define virtues in terms of some other concept that is taken to be more fundamental. Rather, virtues and vices will be foundational for ___ ethical theories and other normative notions will be grounded in them.
Virtue Ethics
This form of ethics focuses on the actions of individuals in a situation, rather than the broader context. An actor is said to be acting ethically when they make the most ethical choice in a situation regardless of the outcome.
Act
This form of ethics views the individual, rather than society or a professional body, as a source of correct ethics. Choices made by individuals are to be protected around a set of rights thought to be the natural law for individuals. This ethical concept is sometimes expressed as my rights end where yours begin.
Rights/Autonomy
In this form of ethics, individuals behave to protect the collective; this collective may be a specific group or an imagined collective of all or some individuals. The ___ approach to ethics assumes a society comprising individuals whose own good is inextricably linked to the good of the community. Community members are bound by the pursuit of common values and goals; if these goals come into conflict it can create unresolvable issues for the ___ system.
Common Good
This form of ethics insists on the rule of the majority in situations of ethical choice. Contradictory correct ethical choices are possible because the vote only captures a snapshot of views at a given time. ___ ethics views the ethical choice as the one preferred by the majority, irrespective of the logic of the choice or views of the minority. This can be problematic since who counts among those who are in a position to vote for a choice is in question.
Democratic
Acting ethical for the ___ tends to lead toward a non-interventionist position. Rather than displaying individual virtue or attempting to act in a way that is thought to produce the best outcome for a situation, those adhering to ___ principles will take actions to try to create the ___. ___ deals with situations in which no choice appears beneficial. In such cases, decision makers seek to choose to do the ___ possible.
Least Harm
The ___ ethical principle states that decision makers should focus on actions that are fair to those involved. This means that ethical decisions should be consistent with the ethical theory unless extenuating circumstances that can be justified exist in the case. This also means that cases with extenuating circumstances must contain a significant and vital difference from similar cases that justify the inconsistent decision. Context is central in ethical decision making for ___ ethicists; like utilitarianism, a high degree of information is helpful in forming a ___ view.
Justice
