Moral Theory
explanation of what makes an action right or what makes a person or thing good
*focuses on the rightness or goodness itself rather than the specific actions & purpose
*an action is right/wrong because it has this characteristic
Theories of Value
-moral theory concerned with the goodness of the person/things
Theories of Obligation
-moral theory concerned with the rightness/wrongness of actions
*book is mainly concerned with this
Classic Utilitarianism
-single, all encompassing standard: right actions are those that directly produce the greatest overall happiness
Considered Moral Judgements
-carefully made moral judgements about issues are usually reliable data
-careful deliberation+free of bias
Reflective Equilibrium
-a back and forth between moral theories/principles+moral judgments
Two Major Moral Theories?
1) Consequentialist--teleological
2) Nonconsequentialist--deontological
Consequentialist
-what makes an action right is it's consequences OR the amount of good it produces IE pleasure, knowledge happiness,
Nonconsequentialist
-what makes an action right does not entirely depend on its consequences BUT it depends on the nature of the action itself
Consequentialist Theories
Utilitarianism, Act-Utilitatarianism, Rule-Utilitarianism, Ethical egoism
Utilitarianism?
-says that the morally right action is the one that produces the most favorable balance of good over evil
everyone in the population is to be considered
Two kinds of utilitarianism?
1) Act-Utilitarianism
2) Rule-Utilitarianism
Act Utilitarianism?
-right actions are those that DIRECTLY produce the greatest overall good with everyone considered
Rule Utilitarianism?
-morally right action is COVERED BY A RULE that is generally followed would produce the greatest overall good with everyone considered
*we are to follow such rules consistently even if doing so in a circumstance leads to bad consequences
Ethical Egoism?
-the morally right action is the one that produces the greatest good for oneself
Nonconsequential Theories include
1) Categorical imperative
2) Kant's theory
3) Natural law theory
Categorical imperative?
-imperative we should follow regardless of our particular wants and needs
*this principle defines Kant's ethical system
*applies to all cultures
Kant's Theory
-morally right action is the one done following categorical imperative
-an action is right if and only if you can universalize the rule
Natural Law Theory
-the morally right action is the one that follows the dictates of nature---do what they were designed to do by God
IE lying is wrong BC it goes against human nature. Truth telling is natural because we are social creatures with the tendency to care about
Divine Command Theory
-the morally right action is the one God commands
Moral Criteria of Adequacy---to evaluate theories IE is this a good theory? is to true? does it explain the rightness of an action?
Criterion 1: Consistency with considered judgements
Criterion 2: Consistency with our moral experiences
Criterion 3: Usefulness in moral problem solving
Example of Criterion One--considered judgments?
Moral Theory: Right actions are those that enhance the harmonious function of a group
Considered judgment: murder is wrong
If killing a man enhances the harmonious function of a group we must use our considered judgments and recognize that the theory is not consistent with considered judgements
Example of Criterion Two-- consistent with our moral background knowledge?
Moral Theory: feelings alone determine whether actions are wrong/right
Moral Background Knowledge: Our moral experience shows us that we are morally infallible
Example of Criterion Three--usefulness (AKA capacity to solve problems and answer questions) in moral problem solving
Usefulness: If science theory is useful then it gains credibility
If moral theory is useful then it gains credibility