Normative Ethics Flashcards
(18 cards)
Ethics definition
Principles that guide our decisions and behaviour towards the morally right
Normative Ethics definition
Figuring out what actions are right or wrong, and how we should behave by asking ourselves: what should be the norm for moral decision making?
3 major approaches in normative ethics
1) Deontological
2) Teleologial
3) Character-based
Deontological approach
A theory of ethics where the value of moral decisions is based off how well a person conforms to the rules, rather than the outcome of the actions.( ABSOLUTIST)
Aquinas natural moral law
Deon- duty to follow the rules
Example of an ethical guide that is Deontological= law
Example of religious believer= Orthodox Jew follow Leviticus strictly e.g. not cutting sideburns
What do deontologists believe about actions
There is intrinsically right and wrong actions. The rightness and wrongness of actions is built into the world therefore, it is acting with the right intention which matters when making moral decisions, rather than the consequences
Deontologists view of axe murdere scenario
Imagine an axe murderer comes to ur door and asks u where ur friend is cuz he needs to find and kill them. U know ur friend is in the kitchen.
A deontologists would argue that u have a moral duty to not lie, regardless of the consequences. Therefore, in this scenario,u shouldn’t lie to axe murdere as lying is inherently wrong even if it can save ur friend
They can opt for other options that don’t violate moral duties e.g. refusing to answer
Teleological theories/ consequential
The rightness or wrongness of an action depends solely on its consequences. They evaluate actions based on outcomes they produce.
Relativists e.g. Joseph fletcher situation ethics
What teleologists believe about our actions
If an action leads to good consequences like happiness or well being, it’s morally right. Right and wrong are conditional (depends on).
How would a teleologist react to the axe murderer scenario
Lying is justified even tho it’s wrong because it saves ur friend, telling them the truth would lead to a bad outcome. Therefore greater good outweighs conforming to strict rules to not lie.
Character Based theories
Both Deontological and teleological ethical theories r based on the actions a person commits, while character based theories are agent- centred
What do character based theories suggest about actions
Focus on the character of the person performing an action rather than the action itself or its consequences. They ask themselves this central question: “What kind of person should i be?” Rather than “What should i do?”
By developing good character traits, people naturally make the right decisions and live a morally right life. So rather than following strict rules or calculating outcomes, virtue ethics emphasises cultivating good habits and a virtuous character.
How would a character based theorist argue in the axe murderer scenario
A virtues person would prioritise loyalty and prudence(shrewd, good judgement) when it comes to their friend, they would prioritise saving their friend by lying to the axe murderer about their friends location.
Strengths of deontological theories
Clear and consistent
Meaningful responsibility - laws hold u accountable, disobeying god means eternal damnation
Disadvantages of deontological theories
Inflexible
Conflict of different moral codes e.g. abortion, euthanasia
Strengths of teleological theories
Flexible
Practical guidance
Maximises the good
Disadvantages of teleological theories
Difficulty in predicting outcomes
No absolute rules for what is ‘good’
Strengths of character based theories
Flexible
Holistic
Promotes genuine goodness
Disadvantages of character based theories
Unclear
Not practical
Very personal
