Patrick Arvin Barcarse

KANTIAN THEORY

Main ethical theory

Moral action is one which we are duty bound to perform and an action is only genuinely moral if it is
prompted by recognition of our duty. Kant’s ethical theory holds that every human being has equal
dignity as an end in itself

2 Acts

 Hypothetical imperative
Kant regards as analytic and not synthetic, and it holds in virtue of empirical rather than
pure practical reason. For Kant, it is simply part of being rational that if we desire the end, we
also desire the (most effective) means. For him, there is no difficulty in

 Categorical Imperative
Act only according to the maxim whereby you can at the same time will that it should
become a universal law.”

2 types of duty

According to Kant, perfect duties (duties of justice) can appropriately be enforced by means of the public,
juridical use of coercion, and the remainder are imperfect duties (duties of virtue), which are fit subjects
for moral assessment but not coercion.

ROSS ETHICS

Actual vs. Prima facie duty

 One’s moral obligation (actual/duty proper) would be to perform the action that would fulfill the
promise while the Prima facie duty is the characteristics present in the action that would fulfill the
promise.

Types of Prima Facie Duty

1. Fidelity. Duties of fidelity are duties to keep one’s promises and contracts and not to engage in
deception.
2. Reparation. This is a duty to make up for the injuries one has done to others.
3. Gratitude. The duty of gratitude is a duty to be grateful for benefactions done to oneself and if
possible to show it by benefactions in return.
4. Non-injury. The duty of non-injury (also known as non-maleficence) is the duty not to harm
others physically or psychologically: to avoid harming their health, security, intelligence,
character, or happiness. It also includes a duty to prevent injury to others.
5. Beneficence. The duty to do good to others: to foster their health, security, wisdom, moral
goodness, or happiness.
6. Self-Improvement. The duty of self-improvement is to act so as to promote one’s own good,
 7. Justice. The duty of justice requires that one act in such a way that one distributes benefits and
burdens fairly.

RAWL’S ETHICS

Principles of justice

 Principle of Equal Liberty: Each person has an equal right to the most extensive liberties
compatible with similar liberties for all. (Egalitarian.)
 Difference Principle: Social and economic inequalities should be arranged so that they are both
(a) to the greatest benefit of the least advantaged persons, and (b) attached to offices and positions
open to all under conditions of equality of opportunity.

4 types of duties
 Duties Which Entail Rights 
 Duties Without Correlative Rights 
 Duties to the Non-Existent
 Duties to the Indefinite Unborn

Natural Duties

 Support just institutions

 Mutual respect
 Mutual aid
 Do no harm
 Do your fair share
 Be faithful (keep your promises)

Thomistic Ethics

Basic principle

Christian ethics in general has tended to stress the need for grace, mercy, and forgiveness because of
human weakness. With divine assistance, the Christian is called to become increasingly virtuous in both
thought and deed, see also the Evangelical counsels. Conversely, the Christian is also called to abstain
from vice

Moral Law

Moral laws are laws of the universe which work in a manner very similar to laws of physics. Only that
their operation depends on the moral circumstances in which a given course of events takes place, while
their outcomes introduce changes to our current moral situation. Actually moral laws rule over
outcomes of laws of physics.

Man’s threefold natural indication three determinant of moral action

Three determinants of moral action

 Conditions that need to be fulfilled to determine the morality of human conduct. In order to
judge the goodness or badness of any particular human act, three elements must be weighed
from which every act derives its morality. They are: a) the object of the act, b) the circumstances
surrounding the act, and c) the purpose that the one performing the act has in mind.