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THEORIES OF MORALITY (CULTURAL RELATIVISM (Main Tenets (There is no…
THEORIES OF MORALITY
CULTURAL RELATIVISM
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So what are they saying?
If there was such a thing as objective truth & right we should be able to prove that some moral beliefs are true & others false! Since this cannot be done, therefore, there is no such thing as objective truth (This is their provability argument!)
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NATURAL LAW THEORY
Main Tenets
By acting according to their natural inclinations, humans act morally.
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Problems
The fact that we are naturally inclined to act in a certain way is not sufficient to conclude that this is how we ought to behave. 'Ought' conclusion form an 'is' premise!
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"If it's natural, it's right."
DIVINE COMMAND THEORY
Main Tenets
It is right if God commands it & wrong if God forbids it! What is morally right is whatever is in accordance with God's will.
Problems
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- For believers: is it morally right or wrong because God forbids it OR Does God forbid or command it because it is morally wrong or right?
EGOISM
Psychologial Egoism
Motivation
Question every altruistic motive (love, compassion, charity)
Whether we act selfishly or unselfishly, if I act voluntarily, then I am merely doing what I most want to do, which is selfish.
When I act selfishly, it produces self satisfaction within me & that is the reason why I at this way to begin with.
Main Tenets
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If there is no connection between morality & religion, what prevents individuals from behaving selfishly?
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Ethical Egoism
Main Tenets
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What makes this right is not that you act in the interest of others, but that you are acting out of self-interest.
If it is in the interest of the individual to act in the interest of others, they should do so.
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Problems (p333)
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Fails primarily because the case for it is weak (and the arguments against it are so strong). Doesn't have much going for it.
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UTILITARIANISM
Main Tenets
Consequences are all that matters, therefore, right actions have the best consequences.
In considering consequences, all that matters is the amount of happiness / unhappiness that is caused.
When deciding what to do, a person should consider the interest of ALL (including self)
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