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Ethical Theories and Major Moral Principles

Ethical Theories and Major Moral Principles. Ethical Theories. Utilitarianism: Jeremy Bentham (1748-1832) John Stuart Mill (1806 - 1873) an ethics of consequences an action is good if it produces the greatest good for the greatest number. Ethical Theories. Utilitarianism:

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Ethical Theories and Major Moral Principles

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  1. Ethical TheoriesandMajor Moral Principles

  2. Ethical Theories Utilitarianism: Jeremy Bentham (1748-1832) John Stuart Mill (1806 - 1873) an ethics of consequences an action is good if it produces the greatest good for the greatest number

  3. Ethical Theories Utilitarianism: what does "good" mean??? a) pleasure = hedonistic utilitarianism b) pluralistic goods, e.g., friendship, knowledge, beauty c) preference utilitarianism majority vs. minority interests

  4. Ethical Theories • Deontological Theories: • an ethics of duty or obligation • a) Kant (1724-1804) • single principle: categorical imperative • Universality - what maxims pass this test • persons as ends (what counts as a person?)

  5. Ethical Theories • Deontological Theories (cont.): • b) pluralists = many duties • W. D. Ross, duties of: • * non-malificence: do not harm • * beneficence: do good, benefit • * justice: treat equals equally • * add autonomy: respect individuals • The above four principles are fundamental for the most widely used text in contemporary ethics: Principles of Medical Ethics, Beauchamp and Childress

  6. Ethical Theories • Deontological Theories (cont.): • b) pluralists = many duties • Ross' additional duties: • * fidelity: be faithful • * reparation: return good for good • * gratitude • * self-improvement • Issues for deontologists: • * ranking duties • * conflicts of duties

  7. Ethical Theories Related Theory: virtue theory a virtue is an excellence or desirable moral quality virtues are often defined by social role, e.g., parent, child, spouse, teacher, etc. What are the qualities which make for a good x? What are the qualities of a good physician? What are the qualities of a good patient?

  8. Ethical Theories Natural Law Theories: There are certain natural tendencies or purposes in things What is natural is, in general, to be followed Natural goals are to be achieved E.g., there is a natural tendency of things to continue their existence Abortion is not allowed Embryonic or fetal research is not allowed if it results in destruction

  9. Ethical Theories • Natural law theories (cont.): • Natural and law and suicide • Natural law and sexuality • Two principles: • Natural vs. artificial treatment • Principle of double effect

  10. Ethical Theories • Right Theories: • What basic rights do we have? • Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness • to life, not to be harmed, to thrive or develop, etc.? • Where do rights come from? God, natural rights, social contract, etc.? • What do rights entail? • Fundamental rights? • Positive and negative rights • What other rights are there? Education? Health care? • Are there limits on rights?

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