Philosophy and Ethics

Is lying always wrong?Is conscience a reliable guide?Are all values relative?

The Ethical Continuum

Relativism Absolutism

Cultural RelativismSubjectivism

Egoism

Utilitarianism Situationism

Rational Choice

Objectivism

QUESTIONS IN ETHICS

QUESTIONS OF FACT: 'IS'

QUESTIONS OF VALUE: 'OUGHT'

WORTH, GOOD, DESIRABILITY

DUTIES OR OBLIGATIONS

TRUTH AND FALSEHOOD

ONE FIRST HURDLE IN OVERCOMING ETHICAL DILEMMAS IS TO DISTINGUISH BETWEEN FACT AND VALUE.

'I AM ALIVE' IS A FACT. 'I OUGHT TO LIVE' IS A VALUE.

Subjectivism All values are relative.

Existentialist Perspective I make my own good; no one can judge.

Language Theory Moral terms are personal, individual.

My logic determines my truth, and it’s mine. My statements can be tested as true or false. Most value statements are nonsense, because

they are value-based. Therefore we cannot argue them. But how do we resolve differences?

Cultural Relativism Whatever a culture believes is good is

good. Social authority determines good.

There are few or no values that are universal. But what if a cultural belief is based upon a

falsehood? What if my value is not good for me? How do we then make laws? Are we to tolerate sadistic evil and genocide

because it is a cultural value somewhere?

Egoism Psychological Egoism (Epicurus)

All acts are motivated by self-interest. It is human nature to seek self-interest. It is impossible to be unselfish.

Ethical Egoism (Ayn Rand) Each person ought to act in his own self-interest.

Enlightened Egoism (Hobbes) Do both of the above, but without narcissism.

Are there no selfless acts?

Objectivism Values exist outside of human reality. Absolute values are morally binding

to all humans. Divine Command Theory

We ought to follow ‘self-evident truths’ Natural Law

It is our duty to act on rational, ‘categorical imperatives.’

The Forms of the Good (Plato) Beauty, Truth, Justice

Utilitarianism

What is good is what produces the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people. The balance of pleasure and pain must

be weighed against alternatives to action All value claims must stand the test of

consequences. But what if the good of the mass obligates

us to harm the individual?

Situationism

Love is the only absolute value All other values are based on the

situation each of us is in. Morality therefore is in a constant

process of change.

Possible Combinations

Rational Choice A rational person can choose right living

if she is free, impartial and informed. People in this state will naturally have right

views and intentions. People in this state will choose right

speech, actions, and livelihoods. People in this state will conduct themselves

with right effort, mindfulness, and concentration.

Virtue Ethics

What are the traits of a good person? How are these traits cultivated? What are the moral categories that

define the good person? What virtues will allow me to function

as a good human being?

Feminist Ethics Do women operate uniquely from the

domain of “morality of responsibility?” Psychological logic of relationships? Caring

Do men operate uniquely from the domain of “morality of rights?” Formal logic of justice.

Can there be an ethic for both?

Essential Questions

Does the individual or the group deserve greater weight?

Is the good of all persons to count equally?