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The “Is-Ought” Problem

The “Is-Ought” Problem. Talked l ast time about…. Different approaches to ethics (descriptive, normative, metaethics, moral theorizing, decision making). The nature of ethical dilemma (two or more values in conflict). The relationships among a dilemma, our values, and context or situation.

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The “Is-Ought” Problem

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  1. The “Is-Ought” Problem

  2. Talked last time about… • Different approaches to ethics (descriptive, normative, metaethics, moral theorizing, decision making). • The nature of ethical dilemma (two or more values in conflict). • The relationships among a dilemma, our values, and context or situation. • The use of the ethical dilemma to reveal our assumptions, our values, and our questions.

  3. So now let’s begin this week’s conversation about… • The qualities of sound moral reasoning (how we can make good judgments). • The relationship between facts and values (i.e. the “is-ought” and “can-should” problem). • Three ethical frameworks or systems: virtue ethics, utilitarianism, and deontology (or Kantianism).

  4. What is the basis for making an ethical decision? • We encounter a dead body. How do we react to this fact? • What is the “gut reaction” to which our book refers? • We encounter an assault in which someone is being killed by someone else. How do we react this fact? • What questions do we want answers to in each?

  5. The “is-ought” & “can-should” Problem Is & Can (facts) Ought & Should (judgments) How should things be? What ought to happen? What response should I/we/they choose? What should I/we/they do? What is significant about what I/we/they know? • What happened or is happening? • What responses are possible? What can I/we/they do? • What do I know?

  6. How do you move from what you know to what to do? • Moral reasoning. • A set of principles or a framework that guides the application of value to knowledge and directs thought toward action. • How does one discover or create that set of principles or that framework? • Is Ought

  7. Example: John Rawls’ “Veil of Ignorance” Thought Experiment: How do we create a just society? Is/Can (i.e. knowledge) Ought/Should (i.e. action) Define a society from a position of ignorance—that is, without knowledge of individual abilities, economic status, race, sex, social position, etc. • Everyone desires a “good life.” • The world has limited resources. • Individuals fight for their own interests against the interests of others. • Individual conceptions of “good life” and interests are determined by race, sex, country of origin, economic status, intelligence, etc.

  8. The Veil of Ignorance • Based on what “is,” what “ought” to be? • Is that “just” your opinion? • From behind the veil, what “is”? In other words, what do you know?

  9. “I’ve got issues”

  10. Other Ways of “Minding the Gap” • Virtue Ethics: What kind of person should I/we/they be? What is the “good” of humans and how do we manifest this in action? • Utilitarianism: What action will result in an increase in happiness/pleasure and/or minimize unhappiness/displeasure? What’s the consequence of an action? • Deontology/Kantianism: To what principle must my actions adhere, regardless of the outcome? What is my duty?

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