Transcript normative ethics

NORMATIVE ETHICS AND
JUSTICE
NORMATIVE THEORIES IN ETHICS
Normative Theories- propose some
principle for distinguishing right actions
from wrong actions
TWO CATEGORIES:
I.
Consequentialist
II.
Non consequentialist
NORMATIVE THEORIES IN ETHICS
CONSEQUENTIALIST
“ If the consequences are good, then the act is
right; if they are bad the action is wrong
A. EGOISM- advocates individual self interest
as guiding principle
-Contends that an act is morally right if and
only if it best promote a person’s long term
interest
I.
NORMATIVE THEORIES IN ETHICS
TWO TYPES:
1.
2.
Personal Egoism- claim that they should
pursue their own best long term
interests but they do not say others
what should they do.
Impersonal Egoism- claim that
everyone should follow his/her best
long term interest
NORMATIVE THEORIES IN ETHICS
PROBLEMS WITH EGOISM:
1.
Psychological egoism is not a sound
theory.
2.
Ethical egoism is not really a moral
theory.
3.
Ethical egoism ignores the blatant
wrong.
NORMATIVE THEORIES IN ETHICS
B. UTILITARIANISM
Moral doctrine that we should always
act to produce the greatest possible
balance of good over bad for
everyone affected by our actions
NORMATIVE THEORIES IN ETHICS
1.
2.
3.
6 points about Utilitarianism
Greatest happiness for the greatest
number.
Actions affect people in different
degrees.
Evaluate actions according to its main
consequences.
NORMATIVE THEORIES IN ETHICS
4.
5.
6.
6 points about Utilitarianism
Maximizing happiness not simply
immediately but in the long run as well.
Acknowledge the we do not know with
certainty what the future consequences
of our actions will be.
Does not disregard pleasure.
NORMATIVE THEORIES IN ETHICS
II. NON CONSEQUENTIALIST
Theories contend the right and wrong
are determined by more that the likely
consequences
NORMATIVE THEORIES IN ETHICS
II. NON CONSEQUENTIALIST
A.
KANT’S ETHICS
-Moral rules can in principle be known
as a result of reason alone and not on
observation.
NORMATIVE THEORIES IN ETHICS
II. NON CONSEQUENTIALIST
B. PRIMA FACIE
“ We see ourselves as being various
moral obligations that can be reduced
to single obligation of maximizing
happiness”
NORMATIVE THEORIES IN ETHICS
II. NON CONSEQUENTIALIST
C. Moral Rights
•
Freedom of speech
•
Unhampered religion affiliation
•
Right to medicare
•
Decent housing
•
Education and work
NORMATIVE THEORIES IN ETHICS
CHARACTERISTICS OF HUMAN RIGHT
a.
Human right is universal
b.
Human right is an equal right
c.
Human right is not transferrable
d.
Human right are natural right
JUSTICE
WHAT MAKES AN ACT UNJUST?
1. That you have been made to suffer some
burden that you had a right to avoid or that
you have been denied some benefit that you
had the right to posses.
2. Frequently concerns the fair treatment of
members of groups of people
3. Injustice occurs when like cases are not
treated in same fashion.
JUSTICE
PRINCIPLE OF DISTRIBUTIVE JUSTICE
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Each an equal share
To each according to individual need.
To each according to individual effort.
To each according to social contribution.
To each according to merit.
JUSTICE
THEORY OF JUSTICE
1.
Mill’s theory
- injustice occurs when there is a
violation of natural rights.
2. Libertarian Approach
Liberty is the prime value and justice
consists in permitting each person to
live as he or she pleases, free from
interference of others.
JUSTICE
THEORY OF JUSTICE
3. Nozick’s theory
“ We are not obliged to do something
positive for anyone, nor is anyone else is
obliged to do anything for us.
4. Rawl’s theory
Each person is to have an equal right to
the most extensive total system of equal
basic liberties compatible with a similar
system of liberty for all.