Flashcards
2. Normative Ethical Theories
Cards in this deck (27)
- 1The Principle of UtilityHolds that a 'good' act is characterised by whether it is successful in producing the most pleasure possible
- 2Act UtilitarianismStates that the morality of an action should be calculated individually
It is a teleological, relative, and consequentialist theory - 3Jeremy Bentham Act UtilitarianismAn 18th Century philosopher who formulated the Hedonic Calculus and Principle of Utility
Much of his utilitarianism work appeared in The Principles of Morals and Legislation - 4Bentham's Quote Act Utilitarianism"Nature has placed mankind under the governance of two sovereign masters; pain and pleasure. It is for them alone to point out what we ought to do, as well as to determine what we shall do."
- 5The Hedonic Calculus Act Utilitarianism1. Intensity (how deep)
2. Duration (how long)
3. Certainty (how likely)
4. Propinquity (how near or far)
5. Fecundity (how continuous)
6. Purity (how secure)
7. Extent (how universal) - 6Evaluation Act UtilitarianismStrengths
- Attempts to measure pleasure
- Relative; allows for examination of individual situations
- All consequences are considered
Weaknesses
- Could permit horrific actions
- Teleological; an action's outcome cannot be guaranteed
- No consideration of the minority - 7Rule UtilitarianismStates that we should follow rules if followed universally would produce the most happiness (e.g. do not steal), unless a pair of rules conflict; this would be when we revert to Act Utilitarianism
It is a deontological, relative, and consequentialist theory - 8John Stuart Mill Rule UtilitarianismAn 18th Century philosopher and formulator of Rule Utilitarianism
- 9The Harm Principle Rule UtilitarianismOn Liberty, 1859
States that an action is morally permissible so long as nobody is harmed - 10Mill's Objections to Bentham Rule Utilitarianism1. No Consideration for Minorities - Certain groups are deprived of their freewill
2. Act Utilitarianism is a 'Swinish Doctrine' -
It believes that life has no higher end than pleasure - 11Mill's Quote Rule UtilitarianismUtilitarianism, 1863
"It is better to be a human being dissatisfied than a pig satisfied; better to be Socrates dissatisfied than a fool satisfied." - 12Higher and Lower Pleasures Rule UtilitarianismUtilitarianism, 1863
Higher Pleasures - Intellectual and social activities, such as opera
Lower Pleasures - Short-lasting with negative consequences, e.g. drinking
Only competent judges can state their preference for higher pleasures - 13Strong and Weak Rule Utilitarianism Rule UtilitarianismStrong Rule Utilitarianism: Believes that derived utilitarian guidelines should never be disobeyed
Weak Rule Utilitarianism: Although there should be generally accepted guidelines, they need not always be adhered to - 14Evaluation Rule UtilitarianismStrengths
- Simple distinction between quality of pleasure, rather than a complex Calculus
- Generally-accepted rules take priority
Weaknesses
- Higher and lower pleasures may be subjective
- Minorities may still not be granted any rights - 15Preference UtilitarianismStates that we should be maximising the satisfaction of people's preferences rather than their pleasure
- 16Peter Singer Preference UtilitarianismPractical Ethics (1993)
Often, our own decisions are no more important as anyone else's, so we should make decisions based on who is affected
For example, whilst it may be better to stay at home to read War & Peace, one may prefer going to the pub - 17Evaluation Preference UtilitarianismWeaknesses
- We can have no motive to criticise a lazy person, if that's what they prefer
- It permits horrific acts of deviancy, such as getting into fights - 18Kantian EthicsStates that an action is moral so long as it meets the criteria of the Categorical Imperative
- 19Immanuel Kant Kantian EthicsAn 18th Century rationalist who formulated the Categorical Imperative
- 20Good Will Kantian EthicsGroundwork for the Metaphysics of Morals (1785)
Kant stated that only a good intent makes an action moral, and that a good will always shines like a valuable jewel - 21Hypothetical and Categorical Imperatives Kantian EthicsGroundwork for the Metaphysics of Morals (1785)
Hypothetical Imperative: An action intended to achieve some end
Categorical Imperative: An action which is motivated by the recognition of duty - 22First Formulation Kantian EthicsGroundwork for the Metaphysics of Morals (1785)
Act only according to a maxim which can be willed to become a universal law
Borrowing Money: It would be immoral to take out a loan from a bank despite knowing it cannot be paid back, as this would contradict promise-keeping
Suicide: It would be immoral to commit suicide, as this would contradict the whole notion of duty - 23Second Formulation Kantian EthicsGroundwork for the Metaphysics of Morals (1785)
Treat others always as ends in themselves rather than as a means to an end - 24Third Formulation Kantian EthicsGroundwork for the Metaphysics of Morals (1785)
Act as if one were a law-making member of a kingdom of ends - 25The Three Postulates Kantian EthicsKant argues that whilst happiness is objectionable in decision-making, it can motivate us to do our duty
By fulfilling our duty, it is only logical that we are rewarded somehow (by God)
We reach the 'summum bonum' through doing so, whereby we have achieved the highest good and live with happiness and fulfilment - 26Evaluation Kantian EthicsStrengths
- There is criteria to assess morality
- Good intent will ensure an action's morality
There is criteria to assess morality
Weaknesses
- Actions could still have bad consequences
- Kant's theory is abstract
- What do we do when duties conflict? - 27W.D. Ross' Prima Facie Duties Kantian EthicsThe Right and the Good (1930)
Attempts to solve the problem of duty clashes in Kantian Ethics by listing seven prima facie duties:
Gratitude, fidelity, justice, self-improvement, reparation for harm done, none-maleficence, beneficence
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- A level Religious Studies (2. Religion and Ethics) Flashcards on 2. Normative Ethical Theories, created by Jordan Best on 06/11/2017.
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