January 10, 2024
What is morality?
- System or set of beliefs that we embrace to help us understand what is good versus
bad.
Individualist: Independence, self
Collectivists: groups bind together
What is Ethics?
- Ethics: our struggles and subsequent rationalization for upholding specific moral
principles over others in ethical dilemmas
- How can we say one action is right vs. wrong
Moral Dilemma vs Ethical Dilemma
Different types of ethics
- Consequences approach (J.S Mills)
- What types of outcomes should I produce?
- Something right or wrong based on the consequences
- Duty approach (Kant)
- What are my obligations in the situation?
- Does the situation matter or just what I owe to others?
- Virtue approach (Aristotle)
- What kind of person should I be?
Examples:
- Trolley Problem (Philippa Foot)
- Veil of ignorance: equal opportunity for all (Rawls)
- Prima Facie obligations: some duties should be prioritized
Ethical Navigation
- Which of these do we prioritize when we face dilemmas in school?
- Cheating or plagiarism? What do we do?
- Media Example: Publishing Drunk Drivers Photos