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Delve into the concepts of moral standing, intrinsic value, equal consideration, and right action in normative ethics. Learn about consequentialism, deontological theories, and the importance of inclusive ethical frameworks.
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Normative Ethics Section 1 Moral Standing, Value, Rights and Rightness
Moral Standing • Moral standing belongs to things which ought to be taken into consideration when decisions are being made (Chapter 2, Section 2). • Scope of moral standing – wider than that of moral rights.
Intrinsic Value • States of affairs have intrinsic value when there are independent reasons for protecting or promoting them. • They are valuable in themselves, whether or not they are valuable for further reasons (Chapter 2, Section 2). • Intrinsic value of well-being – suggests that obligations could be related to protecting it (whether or not we talk of rights).
Equal Consideration • Giving equal consideration to equal interests is compatible with prioritising greater interests. • Not obligatory to treat all beings equally. • One can give equal consideration to equal interests whilst prioritising the needs of, for example, beings with certain distinctive capacities.
Consider… • the relation of needs to obligations.
Consequentialism: focuses on the consequences of actions John Stuart Mill’s rule-utilitarianism. Deontological theory: focuses on appropriate rules Immanuel Kant & James Sterba. Normative Theory Concerned with issues like what makes right actions right.
Consider… • A successful normative ethics theory would be an inclusive one, capable of explaining (at least) obligatory as well as permissible or justifiable acts & omissions.
Right Action Deeds can be right because… • they are the morally best thing to do • they are obligatory all-things-considered • they are obligatory other-things-being equal.
Consider… • the difference between what is obligatory all-things-considered and obligatory other-things-being equal.
Right Action • At times, more than one of a cluster of actions would be right. • Some actions are supererogatory – right, but beyond the call of duty. Consider examples.