Ethics and Morality Theory

1. Ethics and Morality Theory Part 2 28 January 2008

2. Recap • Ethics: study of the systems of belief about morality • Our focus: ethical dilemmas • When ethical principles conflict • Conceptual muddles: when the answer in cyberspace and physical space may be different • Looking at normative ethics: frameworks that define what we should do

3. Specifically, we will look at • Ethical relativism • Individual (or subjective) • Cultural • Normative ethical theories • Deontological • Kantianism • Contractualism • Teleological • Utilitarianism

4. Ethical Relativism • Is there anything universally right or wrong? • How is right or wrong decided?

5. Individual Relativism • Is this the same as tolerance? • For • Well-meaning, intelligent people can disagree • Against • Does not provide moral distinction. • What does morality mean? • Not based on reason • People are good at rationalization

6. Exercise • Write down your view on sharing of electronic media (music, video, writing, software) • Break into small groups and discuss

7. Cultural Relativism • Consider Hampden-Turner and Trompenaars work • For • Different social contexts • Arrogance to judge • Are there examples when we should impose views on a society? • Against • Evolution of practices • Societies do share core values

8. We will not consider relativism any further

9. Normative Ethical Theories • Deontological: based on the sense of duty • Right because of the act • Teleological: based on the result • Right because of the result • Exercise: Break into groups and come up with an original example of how they differ • Is there an ethical issue here?