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Normative Ethical Theories (Ethical Egoism (motivated only by self…
Normative Ethical Theories
2 major categories
Teleological theories (Consequentialism)
Ethical Egoism
Ethical Elitism
Ethical Parochialism
Ethical Utilitarianism
Right actions - produce the most or optimise the consequences of one's choice
Behaviour is ethical if it results in desirable outcomes (Broadly)
The ENDS justify the MEANS
Deontological theories (Duty and Rights)
Theological ethics
Rationalism (Kantianism)
Social contract theory
Rules must be followed regardless of the circumstances or the consequences
expected behaviours from others
look at the acts itself, not looking at the outcome
Ethical Egoism
looking at self (
whatever serves my interest is morally right, because i value the most, i ought to act in my ow self-interest even if it overrides the values and interests of others
) assumes that people are all selfish and look for self-interest
motivated only by self interest
desire for praise and rewards
avoidance of guilt
personal happiness/contentment
belief that people should act in a way that maximises the good or net benefits of the person making the decision
Milton Friedman
's restricted egoism
There is one and only social responsibility of business - to use its resources and engage in activities designed to increase the profits so long as it stay within the rules of game
(open and free competition without deception or fraud) not breaking laws or violates codes of behaviour when pursuing self-interest
Adam Smith
Invisible Hand Theory
believed that the pursuing of self-interest by individuals would lead to the maximisation of society's interest
(invisible hand restrained the individual from behaviour that would damage the society's interest
Problems
people are not always selfish (sacrifice one's live to save life of others
Ethical Egoism does not represent a moral principle of living for human wellbeing and cooperative existence
Ethical Egoism condones wrong
Ethical Elitism
suggest that society is stratified and maximise the interests of only the top stratum or the elite (upper layer)
Ethical Parochialism
assumes that ethical behaviour should protect the interest of the individual's 'in-group' (family, friends, professional associations, cultural group, religion, gender etc.)
Ethical Utillitarianism
ethical behaviour should be concerned with the good of all people and that individuals are all of equal value
John Stuart Mill
's greatest happiness principle
individual should not act to maximise personal utility but the utility of the community as a whole (majority, society's interest)
The end justifies the means
people ought to act in a way that promotes the maximum net expectable utility
Theological Ethics
Relies on religion (provides very strong moral force) conforming to god rules is ethical
Immanuel Kant's Rationalism
Looking at the act itself
people should not be used to achieve an end no matter how worthy the end may appear to be
Immanuel Kant
fundamental duty to treat each other with dignity
First Maxim
The Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would have them to of unto you
Second Maxim
Do not treat people as MEANS to an ENDS (Do not harm/abuse people to met your own act)
Strict moral duties (absolute)
Prima Facie Obligations
Prima Facie refers to way something looks on its face (first glance)
Ross
in contrast with
Kant
, think duties is not absolute or prevailing without exceptions (there could be exceptional circumstances)
is an obligation that can be overridden by a more important obligations
William Ross
multiple obligations may conflict
Social Contract Theory
social contract between the individual and the government
fail to perform duties > unethical behaviour
suggest fairness and equality, relies on cooperation
Jean-Jacques Rousseau
people surrounding their individual freedom, acquire political liberty and civil rights within a system of laws based on the 'general will' of the governed
John-Locke
rulers were obliged to protect private property and the right to freedom speech, thought and worship