Unit 3- Ethical Theories Flashcards
Case Sample- Proctor and Gamble- So-called 'Trade Secrets' and Invasion of privacy
What are the 2 Branches of Ethical Theory and briefly explain them and give examples
Teleological Theory- Looks at the end result to determine morality. E.g. Utilitarianism
Deontological Theory- Looks at the action itself to determine morality. E.g. Kantian Ethics
Complete the phrase: In Teleological Ethics Morality is
Determined by the consequences of actions
Teleological Ethics see morality as a
means to an end
Utilitarianism
Theory is saying that morality should be based on achieving happiness
Principle of Utilitarianism
The greatest good for the greatest number
Four Theses of Utilitarianism
Hedonism
Egoism
Consequentialism- right/wrong dependent of consequences
Universalism (related to Kant’s theory)
Variations of Utilitarianism (2)
Act Utilitarianism- we are obligated to do the specific act that produces the greatest amount of happiness
Rule Utilitarianism- we should follow moral rules that, when acted upon, generally produce the greatest amount of happiness.
How To Apply Utilitarian Principles
- Determine what alternative actions/policies are available
- For each alternative, estimate direct & indirect costs and benefits produced by the action for all persons
- For each action, [benefits - costs] to determine the net utility of each action.
- Choose action with highest net utility- this is the ethical choice
Critics of Utilitarianism
Critics say not all values can be measured.
Response: monetary or other commonsense measures can measure everything.
Critics say utilitarianism fails with rights and justice.
Response: rule-utilitarianism can deal with rights and justice.
Cost Benefit Analysis
,,,,,,
Kantian Ethics
Right/Wrong is based on characteristics of action and not the end results
Universalizability:
must be possible to will the principle of your action for everybody without inconsistency.
Universalizability Principle
If act is wrong for one, it is wrong for all
Deontological Doctrine
Not use people as a “means to an end”
Individual rights not to be sacrificed
We have an obligation to do right regardless of utility.
What is a Right?
An Individual’s entitlement to something
What are the kinds of rights
Legal: Entitlement that derives from legal system
Moral: Rights that all human beings everywhere possess by virtue of being human.
The three kinds of Moral Rights
- Negative rights- require others to leave us alone
- Positive Rights- requires others to act positively on our behalf
- Contractual or special rights- requires others to keep their agreements.
General Info on Moral rights
- Can be violated even when “no one is hurt”- Breaching privacy example
- Provide people with autonomy and equality in the free pursuit of their interests
- Provide a basis for justifying one’s actions and for invoking the protection/aid of others
Contractual Rights
- Created with specific agreements and conferred only on the parties involved.
- Require publicly accepted rules on what constitutes agreements and what obligations agreements impose.
- Underlie the special rights and duties imposed by accepting a position or role in an institution or organization.
Kant and Moral Rights
Individuals generally must be left equally free to pursue their interests.
Moral rights identify the specific interests individuals should be entitled to freely pursue.
An interest is important enough to raise to be a right if:
a. we would not be willing to have everyone deprived of the freedom to pursue that interest
b. the freedom to pursue that interest is needed to live as free and rational beings.
Kant’s Imperative
We must act only on reasons we would be willing to have anyone in a similar situation act on.
Requires universalizability and reversibility.
Side Note: Similar to questions:
“What if everyone did that?”
“How would you like it if someone did that to you?”
Kant’s Imperative (Second Version)
- Don’t use people as a “means to an end”
2. Humans have a certain dignity that differentiates them form mere objects
Kantism in Business
- Imperatives provide standards for making rules
- Emphasises the absolute value and dignity of individuals
- Stresses the importance on acting on the basis of right intentions
Criticisms of Kant
- Both versions of the categorical imperative are unclear.
- Rights can conflict and Kant’s theory cannot resolve such conflicts.
- Kant’s theory implies moral judgments that are mistaken.
