Transcript Ethical Theories Presentation LP5 By: Kirstin Flier April Amond

Ethical Theories
Presentation
LP5
By: Kirstin Flier
April Amond
Jamie Perry
Amanda Mason
March 30, 2009
What is the Fairness and
Justice Approach?
• Basic Moral Question is;
– How fair is an action?
– Does is treat everyone in the same way, or does it
show favoritism and discrimination?
Fairness or Justice Approach
• Focuses on how fairly or unfairly our actions
distribute benefits and burdens among
members of a group.
• Benefits and burdens may be distributed
based on what a person needs, deserves,
contributes etc.
Fairness and Justice Approach
(cont.)
• Or the principle states: “In distributing
benefits and burdens, treat people the same
unless there are morally relevant differences
between them.”
John Rawls-founder of Justice or
Fairness Approach
“Liberal Political
Philosopher”
February 21, 1921-November 24, 2002
2 Principles Of Justice
• Liberty-Everyone has the right to equal
opportunities in life.
-Every citizen deserves the same
opportunities to succeed as every other
citizen.
-Ex: Equal Opportunity Employers
Right to a fair trial
2nd Principle of Justice
• Wealth: Social and economic inequalities are
to be arranged so that they are both:
(a) to the greatest benefit of the least
advantaged
(b) attached to offices and positions open
to all, under conditions of fair equality of
opportunity.
Difference Principle
• The greatest benefit should be given to the
least advantaged members of society.
What is Fairness?
• free from bias, dishonesty, or injustice: a fair
decision; a fair judge
• Being able to gain support of almost every
party
Criticisms
• Difference principle:
-The difference principle ignores claims
that people deserve certain economic benefits
in light of their actions.
Criticisms
• The Utilitarian objection to the difference
principle is that it doesn’t maintain practical
use. Something that is good in theory but
won’t work in practice.
Ethical Dilemma: Is the death
penalty moral?
Questions
• Is everyone being treated equally?
• What would be fair here?
Questions
• What is unfair here?
• Are behaviors/actions here defensible based
on some standard?
Questions
• What are the standards used to make
decisions here?
• Are there any imbalances here?