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Ethical Theory 1
Ethical Theory 1
Utilitarianism
Founders are Jeremy Bentham and John
Stuart Mill.
One of the first purely secular ethical
theories.
It has deeply influenced economics and
political science.
Utilitarianism
(Consequentialism)
Two parts:
Theory of intrinsically valuable
pleasure, satisfaction of desire, etc.
Principle of right action: Choose the
action of those available which has the
best consequences
Utilitarianism
Example:
Utilitarianism -- problems
Too demanding!
Too much calculation!
Incommensurability!
Doesnt fit our moral convictions!
Deontology
Deontology
Kingdom of ends:
Deontology
Deontology
Deontology - Problems
Deontology - Problems
It is wrong to lie.
It is wrong to facilitate the murder of innocent people.
Virtue Ethics
Virtue Ethics
Virtue Ethics
Contractualism
Rawls answers,
The basic structure of a society is just if, and only if, it satisfies
principles that would be agreed to under fair conditions.
Assumptions:
Contractarianism - Problems
Moral Relativism
Moral Relativism