ETHICAL FRAMEWORKS
Rights and duties
Certain human rights should
always be permitted, according
to many people. The right to life,
the right to a fair trial and the
right to freedom of speech. Some
countries include these rights in
their constitutions.
Rights come with duties. As a
parent (or pet owner) one has
the duty to feed, wash, protect
etc, a baby or a pet. The parent
can be prosecuted if these
responsibilities are not carried
out.
Who dishes out the rights? Some
think that they come with their
religion teachings (i.e. the ten
commandments).
Many modern people in
developed countries are non-
believers. For them, rights are
social conventions built up over
thousands of years. Being a part
of such a society one must abide
by these rights.
Maximising the amount of good in
the world
This a simple ethical framework.
Truth should be told, because lies
can make people very unhappy.
However, telling a truth can bring
about more unhappiness.
Sometimes a white lie may be
needed in order not to hurt the
feelings of people close to you. If
you do not like the present you
were given, and you were asked
whether you liked it, you would
probably resort to telling a white lie. be selfish. A utilitarian may argue
This ethical approach is called
utilitarianism. People who use this
ethical framework do not have
moral absolutes and will probably
never say that something is always
right or always wrong. Keeping a
promise, which is normally the right and duties may argue that
thing to do, under certain
circumstances it may be wrong.
Something which is normally wrong, others is considered.
in other circumstances may be the
right thing to do.
Making decisions for yourself Leading a virtuous life
Humans can make their own This is probably the oldest
decisions. In the past, doctors told framework. Good life consists of
patients what was best for them. acting virtuously. People always
Nowadays, patients can act consider the virtues people need to
autonomously and make up their have for professionals that they rely
own minds about things. You will on, such as, teachers, doctors,
need to give written permission for hairdressers, etc.
a surgeon to perform an operation The seven virtues traditionally are:
on you, after you have made an justice, prudence, temperance,
informed decision. fortitude, faith, hope and charity.
One, can autonomously decide to What virtues might you like to see in
a teacher, doctor, parent, husband?
that pros and cons should be
considered to establish that being
selfish has outweighing benefits
than costs. Only if benefits outweigh
costs would autonomy be desired.
But, someone who believes in rights
autonomy is a right for anyone if the
duty to take account of the effect on
Can everybody decide for
him/herself? Not really since people
with dementia, for example, cannot
give informed consent. In these
situations, someone may be
appointed to make decisions for
them.