Chapter 3
Chapter 3
Chapter 3
CHAPTER 3
- This theory is deontological and requires adherence to
Understanding Moral Philosophy Fundamentals moral principles.
- It states that an action is morally right only if the actor
- Ethics has two branches: meta-ethics and normative ethics. is motivated by good will.
- Meta-ethics studies the origin and meaning of ethical - Moral worth is only assigned to actions done for
concepts.It has two main forms: rational, principled reasons out of a sense of duty.
i. Moral relativism considers right and wrong as relative - This theory does not involve weighing consequences,
and variable. as reasons alone determine moral truth and duty.
ii. Moral objectivism views certain acts as objectively right ARISTOTL’E VIRTUE ETHIC THEORY
or wrong. - This theory is based on the idea that morality is
essential for human well-being and focuses on virtues,
good character traits that are developed through
habitual action.
- Moral compromise is detrimental to one's own
development and ethical behavior leads to successful
and rewarding lives.
- Aristotle identified two aspects of human nature: the
rational and the irrational.
- Aristotle introduced the concept of mean or
moderation in actions.
- He defines a virtuous person as someone who has
taken control of his life and cultivated his natural
dispositions into moral virtues.
- A virtuous person has always found happiness in his
- Normative ethics guides human conduct by determining what actions based on these developed virtues.
is right or wrong. - The virtues include honesty, self-control, courage,
- Two types of ethical theories are teleological and justice, respect, prudence, and shame of failures.
deontological. GILLIGAN’S ETHICS OF CARE THEORY
i. Teleological theories base the rightness of actions on good
consequences. - a feminist theory in the West; a new approach to moral
ii. Deontological theories deny that consequences determine development. However, this is not the case in eastern
what we ought to do. dimensions, where caring is viewed as a value in a
society that promotes collectivism rather than
UTILITARIAN THEORY individualism.
1. Utilitarianism is a teleological theory used in economics. - propagates a person to be partial to make ethical
2. It has two forms: classical and rule utilitarianism. decisions. It emphasizes caring for the concrete well-
3. Utilitarianism requires performing actions that maximize being of those near to us.
good over evil. 3 forms of caring
4. The theory evaluates moral action based on - caring about stg
consequences and goal orientation. - caring after someone
5. The decision should maximize net utility for all - caring for someone
individuals affected by the action. -
- Principle of Utilitarianism THEORY OF RIGHTS
1. Consequentialism - consequences
2. Hedonism – good only
3. Maximalism – good and bad
4. Universalism – majority