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Normative ethical theories - Coggle Diagram
Normative ethical theories
Aquinas' natural moral law
How to make moral decisions using NML
Synderesis principle
Primary precepts
Secondary precepts
Doctrine of double effect
Distinguish between real and apparent goods
Consider both interior and exterior acts
Incorporate Christian and cardinal virtues
The theory
Systematic approach to ethics
Derives moral principles from the natural order of the world and the rationality of human nature
Believes in an objective and universal moral order that is accessible to human reason
'Good'
Everything has an inherent purpose/telos
The 'good' for any being is the fulfilment of that purpose
For humans, the 'good' is the realization of their inherent human nature through virtuous living, to do good and avoid bad
Practical reasoning
Synderesis principle
Seek good, avoid evil
Innate human capacity to recognize basic moral truths
Serves as a moral compass
Primary precepts
Self-evident
Universally applicable
Secondary precepts
Derived from the primary precepts through reason
Provide a framework for determining right and wrong
Help put the primary precepts into practice
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Preservation of life
Reproduction
Education and learning
Living sociably
Worshipping God
Direct reflection of divine law in the Bible
Interior vs exterior acts
Interior acts: the intentions/ motives that drive actions
Exterior acts: the observable actions themselves
The doctrine of double effect
Allows for morally permissible actions even if they result in unintended harm
Provided that......
The harm is not the direct intention of the action
There is a proportionate reason for allowing it
Real vs apparent goods
Real goods: actions that genuinely contribute to human flourishing
Apparent goods: actions that only appear beneficial on the surface but may actually violate the primary precepts
Virtues
Cardinal
Prudence
Justice
Temperance
Fortitude
Theological
Faith
Hope
Charity
Is NML an effective means for making moral decisions?
Criticisms
Lack of flexibility
Vagueness and subjectivity of the synderesis principle
Religious and ethical pluralism
Changing understanding of virtues
Lack of consideration for harm minimization
Fletcher's situation ethics
How to make moral decisions using SE
Assess the unique situation
Consider the potential consequences of your actions
Consider the 4 working principles
Consider the 6 fundamental principles
The theory
Emphasizes the context and circumstances of each individual situation
Flexible and adaptable approach
Rejection of absolute moral rules and principles
Agape
Selfless, unconditional love and compassion
Love is seen as the ultimate moral principle that should guide actions
Decisions should be made in a way that maximizes
love and minimizes harm
4 working principles
Personalism
Inherent value and dignity of each individual
People, not abstract principles are central to ethical considerations
Positivism
The moral worth of an action is determined by the specific circumstances in which it occurs
Ethical judgments are context-dependent
Pragmatism
Advocates for practical solutions that align with the principles of love and well-being
Balance between ethical ideals and the practical realities of a situation
Relativism
Ethical truths are not fixed universally but can vary based on the cultural, social, and individual contexts
SE avoids rigid moral absolutism
6 fundamental principles
Love only is always good
Agape is the ultimate moral criterion
Love is the only norm
Love should guide ethical decisions above all else
Love and justice are the same
True justice arises from love
Love is not liking
Distinguishes between personal feelings agape
Love justifies the means
Ethical actions align with love both in means and ends
Love decides there and then
Emphasis on moral responsibility and intentions
Is SE an effective means for making moral decisions?
Criticisms
Reliance on relativism could lead to ethical ambiguity and inconsistency
Subjectivity
Lack of clear guidelines
'Love justifies the means' could be misinterpreted to justify morally questionable actions
Support
4 working principles
6 fundamental principles
Aristotle's virtue ethics
The theory
Places emphasis on cultivating virtuous qualities within individuals to guide their actions
Virtues
Positive character traits or dispositions that enable individuals to act ethically and flourish as human beings
Eg. courage, honesty, compassion, generosity, humility
Not innate
Developed and refined through practice/ habituation
Focus on moral education and personal growth
Requires intentional effort and a commitment to shaping one's character
Mentors/ role models are integral to the formation of virtuous individuals
Eudaimonia
Flourishing
Ultimate goal of human life
Deep sense of fulfilment that arises from living in accordance with virtuous principles
Pursuing eudaimonia is the key to living a meaningful and purposeful life
Flexible and nuanced approach
Character-based, rather than deontological/ rule-based
Instead of asking, "What is the right thing to do?" virtue ethicists ask, "What would a virtuous person do in this situation?"
Acknowledges that life is complex and that there isn't always a straightforward answer
But a virtuous person's actions are grounded in a deep understanding of their virtues.
Criticisms
Subjectivity
Potential culture biases
Application can vary across cultures and societies
How to make moral decisions using VE
Moral decisions are based on the development of virtues and the pursuit of an ultimate good
Eudaimonia
Arete
Emphasises excellence or the fulfilment of potential
Ergon
Function
For humans, this involves rationality and the development of virtues
The 'golden mean'
Suggests that virtues lie between two extremes, which are vices
Virtuous behaviour is achieved by finding the balance or mean between these extremes
Phronesis
Practical wisdom/ reasoning
Aristotle's 'hierarchy of souls'
The rational soul enables humans to reason, reflect, and cultivate virtues