HCE study guide 3 - Copy

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Dec 6, 2023

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L esson 3-Decision Making in Value Issues and Private Law 1. Name the main theories of moral reasoning and identify the theorists who are considered the fathers of these theories. Main theories of moral reasoning: 1) teleological theories, Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill [fathers of utilitarianism] 2) deontological theories, Immanuel Kant 3) virtue ethics, Aristotle 4) divine command ethics, taken from Judeo-Christian traditions (i.e., Ten Commandments. 2. Describe teleological (end) reasoning AKA consequence-orientated theory, judges the rightness of a decision based on the outcome or predicted outcome. “The right thing to do is the good thing to do”. Ex) A consequentialist would choose the five patients who require less of a dosage to receive the medicine, allowing the sixth patient to die, as this produces the most moral good. 3. Compare and contrast act and rule utilitarianism Utilitarian systems, most common form of consequence-orientated reasoning, are referred to as teleological theory. Act utilitarianism : focuses on consequences of individual actions and assesses them based on their benefit. Evaluates actions separately, considering each one in terms of its effect on happiness or pleasure. Means an act may be considered morally right even if it violates traditional notions of justice or individual rights.  Equal consideration of interest: moral principle that states that one should both include all affected interests when calculating the rightness of an action and weigh those interests equally. Which one is not allowed to increase his share of happiness at the expense of another. Rule utilitarianism: considers larger sets of actions rather than just individual acts. Looks at how certain rules or norms can maximize utility for society when followed by everyone. An action is deemed to be right if it conforms to a rule that’s validated by the principle of utility. Considers justice and individual rights, as it promotes rules that benefit everyone in the long run without disadvantaging certain groups more than others.  Principle of utility: where actions are to be judged by their usefulness such as their tendency to produce benefit, advantage, pleasure, good, or happiness. Ex) if you are choosing ice cream for yourself, the utilitarian view is that you should choose the flavor that will give you the most pleasure. 4. Describe deontological (duty) reasoning AKA duty-oriented reasoning, where the morality of an action is based on whether the action itself is right or wrong, rather than the consequences. Kant believed that the ability to reason is

what makes humans morally significant. Principles derived from reason are universal. “We must always treat others as ends and not as means only (not seen as a person)”. Ex) violation: family that had a second child just to be a donor for their first.  Categorical imperative: moral principle that one should act in accordance with rules that could apply to everyone. A rule of conduct that is unconditional or absolute for all people. It doesn't matter what your wants or goals are. Ex) "You shouldn't kill," "You ought to help those in need," “Be honest”, or "Don't steal" are categorical imperatives An action, then, can be judged right or wrong by determining its relationship to a categorical imperative even without knowledge of the particular circumstances. 5. Explain how Kant made a big impact on this theory His moral philosophy focuses on fairness and the value of the individual. His method rests on our ability to reason, our autonomy (i.e. our ability to give ourselves moral law and govern our own lives), and logical consistency. 6. Explain virtue ethics Collection of ethical philosophies that emphasize the role of character and virtue in moral philosophy rather than either doing one's duty or acting in order to bring about good consequences. The focus is taken off individual actions and put instead on what we can do to produce the sort of character that instinctively does the right thing. Honesty, magnanimity, courage, justice, temperance, compassion, generosity, fidelity, integrity, fairness, self-control, and prudence are all examples of virtues. While intellectual virtues (wisdom) could be directly taught, moral virtues or character virtues must be lived ion order to be learned (Aristotle). Ex) Mark, a compassionate employee, goes out of his way to help his colleagues and ensure projects are completed in the best way possible. Such a character is a good example of virtue ethics in the workplace. 7. Identify the two basic types of private law. Recognition and enforcement of rights and duties of private citizens and organizations. Torts: private or civil wrong that causes harm to another person or their property. Three main types of torts are: negligence (unintentional), intentional torts, and strict liability (product liability). Torts are different from criminal law, which deals with criminal wrongs that are punishable by the state. Contract law: Legally binding agreement between two or more parties. A contract creates mutual obligations between the parties. Contracts are used by businesses and individuals to protect their interests. A contract must contain the following elements:

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